Reliability and validity of Turkish version of pediatric balance scale

Assessment tool is a key point to evaluate balance disturbances in children. The aim of this study was to analyze reliability and validity of Turkish version of pediatric balance scale. The present study included 34 children (13 girls; 21 boys) with balance impairments. The scale consists of 14 items. Eight observers assessed the video records of the participants for interrater agreement. One observer evaluated the records twice in 2 weeks for intrarater agreement. Intraclass correlation coefficient was used for the interobserver and intraobserver agreement. The Functional Reach Test was used to calculate concurrent validity. Mean age of the sample was 11.68 +/- 3.53 years. The Turkish version of the scale was found to be reliable, perfectly (intraclass correlation coefficient for interobserver agreement = 0.915). Intraobserver agreement was also reliable, perfectly (ICC = 0.927). The strong correlation between pediatric balance scale and functional reach test was found (r = 0.692; p < 0.001). The Turkish version of the scale is a valid and reliable tool to evaluate children with balance impairments. Moreover, it is easy to use for health providers working with disabled children.