Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of sixteen balance tests in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). The following tests were performed on 21 participants with DS, aged 5-31 years of age; standing test on firm and soft surfaces with the eyes opened and closed, a balance subset of the Bruininks-Oseretsky test, full turn, timed-up-and-go test, forward reach, and sit-to-stand. Each participant completed all 16 assessments twice on one day and then again on a subsequent day for a total of four trials. Seven tests had reliability coefficients greater than 0.55; one-leg stand on floor (0.76), on balance beam with eyes opened (0.62) and eyes closed (0.69), heel-to-toe walk on balance beam (0.63), straight line walk on floor (0.57), and CGS on firm (0.63) and soft (0.86) surfaces with eyes opened. We recommend these seven tests for use in clinical and non clinical settings.

Degree

PhD

College and Department

Life Sciences; Exercise Sciences

Rights

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