Psychometric Properties of the Pediatric Balance Scale Using Rasch Analysis

The Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) is a 14-item measure of functional balance for children. This study examined PBS dimensionality, rating scale function, and hierarchical properties using Rasch analysis.

The PBS data were analyzed retrospectively for 823 children, aged 2 to 13 years, with uni- and multidimensional Rasch partial credit models.

The PBS best fits a unidimensional model based on the Bayesian information criterion analysis (12,400.73 vs 12,404.48), strong correlations between 3 proposed dimensions (r = 0.946-0.979), and high internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.94). Analysis of rating scale functioning is limited by small numbers of children achieving low scores on easy items. Item maps indicated a ceiling effect but no substantive gaps between item difficulty estimates.

The PBS items are best targeted to preschool-age children; additional children with known balance dysfunction are required to fully assess functioning of the easiest PBS items. Revisions may improve PBS utility in older children.