Test-retest reliability of the pediatric clinical test of sensory interaction for balance in 4-6 years old children

Background and Aim: The pediatric clinical test of sensory interaction for balance (P-CTSIB) evaluates the functional maturity of vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive systems and the quality of sensory interactions between these systems. This test is a simple and inexpensive tool used in the clinical tests of balance performance. The current study aimed at examining the internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the P-CTSIB test in preschool children. Methods: The present study was performed on 38 children aged 4 to 6 years in preschools and kindergartens of Tehran, Iran. The test consists of 12 positions including visual positions (eyes open, eyes closed, and wearing a visual-conflict dome), support surface (standing on a hard surface and a foam) and the position of the feet (feet together and heel-toe position). The subjects were evaluated in each of the P-CTSIB test positions twice. Results: Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for standing duration, anteroposterior sway, and lateral sway were 0.92, 0.77, and 0.84, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) ranged from 0.70 to 0.92 for standing duration,0.27 to 0.89 for antero-posterior sway, and 0.31 to 0.87 for lateral sway.Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the internal consistency of the P-CTSIB test in 4-6-year-old children was significant. This test has a high reliability in the feet toge-ther position. Therefore, the P-CTSIB test with feet together is suggested as a reliable clinical measure to assess children’s balance.