The Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) is a modified version of the Berg Balance Scale, designed to assess balance and postural control in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and other motor impairments. It evaluates both static and dynamic balance through functional tasks related to everyday activities.
Assessment Method:
- The PBS consists of 14 functional tasks, including:
- Sitting and standing balance
- Transitions (e.g., sitting to standing)
- Reaching, turning, and stepping
- Standing on one foot
- Each task is scored on a 5-point scale (0–4) based on performance and stability, with a maximum score of 56 points (higher scores indicate better balance).
Clinical Importance:
- Identifies balance impairments affecting mobility and daily function.
- Guides therapy interventions (e.g., balance training, strengthening).
- Tracks progress over time in response to rehabilitation.
- Suitable for children with mild to moderate balance impairments (GMFCS Levels I–III).
Accessing the PBS:
The PBS assessment tool, including instructions and scoring criteria, can be accessed through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA):
Pros of the PBS:
- Standardized Assessment: Provides a uniform method to evaluate balance skills, facilitating consistent assessments across different clinicians and settings. physio-pedia.com
- Clinical Relevance: Assesses functional balance tasks that mimic everyday activities, making the results directly applicable to daily living scenarios. physio-pedia.com
- Minimal Equipment Required: Designed to require minimal use of specialized equipment, making it practical and cost-effective for various clinical settings. apta.org
Cons of the PBS:
- Age and Developmental Limitations: Primarily validated for children aged 5 to 15 years with mild to moderate motor impairments; its applicability to other age groups or severity levels may be limited. spritelypt.com
- Ceiling Effect: May not be sensitive enough to detect subtle balance deficits in higher-functioning children, as they might achieve near-perfect scores. sralab.org
- Time-Consuming: Administering all 14 items can take between 15 to 30 minutes, which might be challenging in busy clinical environments. carepatron.com
For clinicians aiming to implement the PBS, it is recommended to familiarize themselves with the administration guidelines and scoring criteria to ensure accurate and reliable assessments.