Correlation between the selective control assessment of lower extremity and pediatric balance scale scores in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the Selective Control Assessment of Lower Extremity (SCALE) and Pediatric Balance Scales (PBS) in children with spastic cerebral palsy and further to test whether the SCALE is a valid tool to predict the PBS. [Subjects and Methods] A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the SCALE and PBS in 23 children (9 females, 14 males, GMFCS level I–III) with spastic cerebral palsy. [Results] Both the SCALE and PBS scores for children with spastic hemiplegia were significantly higher than those for children with spastic diplegia. The scores for SCALE items were low for distal parts. The PBS items that were difficult for the participants to perform were items 8, 9, 10, and 14 with the highest difficulty experienced for item 8 followed by items 9, 10, and 14. The correlation coefficient (0.797) between the SCALE and PBS scores was statistically significant. The correlations between each SCALE item and the PBS scores were also statistically significant. SCALE items were significantly correlated with two PBS dimensions (standing and postural change). [Conclusion] In SCALE assessment, more severe deficits were observed in the distal parts. Standing and postural changes in the PBS method were difficult for the participants to perform. The two tests, that is, the SCALE and PBS, were highly correlated. Therefore, the SCALE is useful to prediction of PBS outcomes and is also applicable as a prognostic indicator for treatment planning.

Therapeutic Outcomes Of Functional Strength Training Versus Conventional Physical Therapy In Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Comparative Study

“…The participants were asked to execute specific movement patterns using a three-second verbal count including, (1) hip flexion and extension with the knee extended, (2) knee extension and flexion, (3) ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion with the knee extended, (4) subtalar inversion and eversion, and (5) toe flexion and extension. The assessment procedures were carried out from the sitting position for all joints except for the hip joint which was performed side-lying with the limb supported by the examiner [7,18]. doi: 10.7243/2055-2386-6-7…”

“…The term SVMC has been CrossMark ← Click for updates doi: 10.7243/2055-2386-6-7 defined as the capacity to isolate the activation of muscles in a desired pattern by voluntary movement or posture. Although spasticity and contractures are considered the main causes for impairments, deficits in SVMC are the main contributor to motor impairments [6][7][8].…”

Selective voluntary motor control measures of the lower extremity in children with upper motor neuron lesions: a systematic review

“…44 Quality of construct validity was evaluated in accordance to Terwee et al 28 as 'positive (+)' in eight papers, [37][38][39][40][41][42]45 and as mixed 'positive/negative (+)/(-)' in one study. 38,43 A 'limited positive (+)' evidence level was given for its validity testing with the Berg Balance Scale, 45 and for predicting knee flexion during initial contact during stance phase of gait. 38,43 A 'limited positive (+)' evidence level was given for its validity testing with the Berg Balance Scale, 45 and for predicting knee flexion during initial contact during stance phase of gait.…”

“…The modified COSMIN scores of three of these eight SCALE papers were 'good', [37][38][39] four were rated as 'fair', [40][41][42] one as 'excellent', 43 and one as 'poor'. 44 Quality of construct validity was evaluated in accordance to Terwee et al 28 as 'positive (+)' in eight papers, [37][38][39][40][41][42]45 and as mixed 'positive/negative (+)/(-)' in one study. 44 Overall, there was 'moderate positive (++)' evidence for construct validity of the SCALE in terms of (1) its correlation with the Gross Motor Function Classification System, 37,43 and (2) its proximal-distal concordance (SVMC is more often and/or more severely impaired in distal body parts).…”

“…44 Overall, there was 'moderate positive (++)' evidence for construct validity of the SCALE in terms of (1) its correlation with the Gross Motor Function Classification System, 37,43 and (2) its proximal-distal concordance (SVMC is more often and/or more severely impaired in distal body parts). 38,43 A 'limited positive (+)' evidence level was given for its validity testing with the Berg Balance Scale, 45 and for predicting knee flexion during initial contact during stance phase of gait. 42 Three studies investigated relationships between total limb SCALE scores and knee flexion during swing phase.…”