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Dissertation
Assessment of dynamic balance abilities in Pakistani children ages 5 to 13
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Allegheny University of the Health Sciences
Apr 1997
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00009155
Abstract
Balance is a multifactorial ability, not the outcome of a single developmental sequence. A comprehensive balance assessment requires sensitivity towards cultural influences and biological competence. Differing environmental and social experiences can indirectly impact on motor and postural competencies of children belonging to different cultures. This study is the first to evaluate dynamic balance abilities from a functional perspective in Pakistani children. Additionally, the study looked at effects of gender, socio-economic status (SES), and anthropometric parameters on postural development of 180 Pakistani children. Children between the ages of 5 and 13 years were evaluated using the Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and GO (TUG), Running Speed and Agility (RSA) and Balance subtests of the Bruininks Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP). Demographic data, anthropometric parameters, and balance performances of Pakistani children are reported. These results were compared to published American values. Pakistani children were shorter in stature, and performed at a lower level of competence (maturity), in comparison to their American peers, on the FRT, RSA and Balance subtests of the BOTMP. Development of postural skills was noted as the children's age increased. There were significant differences in balance abilities of male and female Pakistani children belonging to low and high SES. In general males performed better on balance tests vs. females. The effect of gender was more pronounced in the high vs. the low SES. Significant correlations were found among the 4 balance tests of interest, especially between the TUG and RSA. Principle component factor analysis demonstrated that all 4 balance tests measure the same construct (assumed to be dynamic balance on face validity). After accounting for age, height and base of support seemed to be important variables in predicting the mean TUG and FRT scores of the Pakistani children in this sample. The findings of this research study indicate the importance of developing culturally sensitive norms, in order to get a true picture of a child's motor and postural ability. Therapists, therefore, need to consider the ethnic background of children, when evaluating their motor and postural competencies, so that they can better serve children from different cultural backgrounds.
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Details
- Title
- Assessment of dynamic balance abilities in Pakistani children ages 5 to 13
- Creators
- Zehra Habib
- Awarding Institution
- Allegheny University of the Health Sciences
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Allegheny University of the Health Sciences; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xii, 251 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Allegheny University of the Health Sciences (1996-1998); School of Health Professions (1996-1998); Physical Therapy
- Other Identifier
- 991021888752104721