Project R-13687

The Balance evaluation systems test for children (the kids-bestest): the need for age-specific scoring criteria (Research)

Background: Of all children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), 60–87 % present with balance deficits. In 2017, the Balance Evaluation Systems Test for children (Kids-BESTest) was translated from an adult to a pediatric version. The instructions and testing materials have been tailored for children. However, the scoring criteria remained, reflecting adultlike performance. Due to their ongoing development, until at least age 12, typically developing children (TDC) of different ages perform dissimilar on balance tasks. It is therefore reasonable to assume that not all TDC can reach the adult-reference, indicating age-specific scoring criteria would be needed to identify balance deficits in DCD. Objectives: By comparing the actual balance performance of TDC with the predefined scoring criteria of the Kids-BESTest, its sensitivity for identifying age-specific performance in children was investigated. Approach: The Kids-BESTest was administered in 42 TDC (age 5-10). Age-sensitive items were selected: reaching forward (RF), reaching lateral (RL), rise-to-toes, one leg stance (OLS), standing on foam with eyes closed (FEC), level walking and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) with(out) dual task. Discussion: Almost all children met the scoring criteria for the TUG, FEC and rise-to-toes, indicating adultlike performance (Table 1). OLS and level walking improve with increasing age until the age of 9, where the adult-reference is met. The adult-reference for RF, RL and TUG with dual task was too difficult for all children. Relevance: We need age-specific normative data to identify deviation in balance performance of children with coordination difficulties.

06 July 2022 - 10 July 2022