Tests & Measures: A Resource for Pediatric Physical Therapy Practitioners

Pediatric Berg Reviewed

Pediatric Berg Balance Test reviewed and is current.

Kim Y, Lee BH. Clinical Usefulness of Child-centered Task-oriented Training on Balance Ability in Cerebral Palsy. J Phys Ther Sci. 2013;25(8):947-51.

This study utilizes the Pediatric Berg Balance Test to examine the benefits of functional training on kids with cerebral palsy.  26 kids from 9-13 years old (mean 11.8), received two 40 minutes sessions a week for 15 weeks.  The participants were in a room with a physical therapist that had a variety of intervention areas, including a swing, hammock, physioball, sway board, gym mat, balance beam, and several other game-type activities.  The PT observed until the child spent at least 2 continuous minutes in a given area and then intervened.  The therapist provided verbal and tactile cues and utilized a mirror for visual feedback to address any compensatory strategies or abnormal movement patterns.

The researchers analyzed the Pediatric Berg results by age group (9 or below, 10-12, and 13 or up), cerebral palsy type (spastic, athetoid, or mixed), involved part (mono, di, or quadriplegia), and assistive needs (independent, walker, wheelchair).  They found that all subgroups except mixed CP and monoplegia showed significant improvements in PBBT scores, meeting the MCD but not MCID criteria.  In addition, there was no comparison group to compare the efficacy of the study intervention to any other intervention types for kids with cerebral palsy.