Balance and Self-Efficacy of Balance in Children with CHARGE Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Balance is a critical component of daily living, because it affects all movements and the ability to function independently. Children with CHARGE syndrome have sensory and motor impairments that could negatively affect their balance and postural control. The purpose of the study presented in this article was to assess the balance and self-efficacy of balance of these children. Methods: Twenty-one children with CHARGE syndrome aged 6 - 12 and 31 age - and gender-matched sighted control participants without CHARGE syndrome completed the study. Each participant completed the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and a self-efficacy of balance survey, the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC). Results: The PBS results revealed that the participants in the control group performed significantly better than did those with CHARGE syndrome (p