| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study was to determine the level of predictive validity and concurrent validity of BTrackS (Balance Tracking System) in children with Down syndrome (DS). Eleven children with DS, ages 4-6 were recruited from Kinderfrogs School on TCU campus. Participants included 5 females and 6 males. Postural sway measures were obtained using BTracks Balance Tracking system to determine fall risk. Subjects were then assessed using the PBS to determine fall risk. It was found that performance on BTrackS explained 46.4% of variance of PBS performance, indicating poor concurrent validity. It was also found that variables measured by BTrackS correctly predicted fall risk 81.8% of the time, indicating some predictive validity. Based on these findings, the PBS may be a more valid measure of fall risk than BTrackS in this population. The attentional demands and time requirements of BTrackS may cause this system to be a less valid measure of balance ability in young children with DS. Additionally, the PBS includes functional activities that require both static and dynamic balance, and is more cost effective than BTrackS and similar force plate systems. Further studies in this area may attempt to improve the validity of both the PBS and BTrackS in this population by decreasing time requirements, improving clarity of instructions, or including the use of visual aids. | |
