Assessment of balance impairment in adhd children

Abstract EN

Background: Attention- deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by an age- inappropriate level of inattention, hyperactivity- impulsivity.

Children with ADHD demonstrate impaired motor performance and balance abnormalities.

Balance is important in daily life and any malfunction increases the risk of injury.

Causes of balance impairment in ADHD may be related to hypofrontality, delay maturation of cerebellum, and other brain structures, or comorbidity with Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) Aim of the study: To assess balance impairment among children with ADHD and to study its relations with ADHD determinants.

Methods: The study was conducted on 96 child, of both gender, aged from (5- 10) years diagnosed as children with ADHD, in a period of one year (2013- 2014).

Conner's' rating scale- Revised Short form, Wechsler intelligence scale for children, Developmental Coordination Disorders Questionnaire and Movement Assessment Battery for Children were used.

Results: 46 child (47.9%) had (DCD) where: 16 of them were at risk (mild to moderate DCD), and 30 had significant DCD.

Sub scores of static and dynamic balance revealed that: 38 child (39.6%) had balance impairment where: 11 of them showed mild balance impairment and 27 had significant balance impairment.

There was no statistical significant difference between gender or age or degree of ADHD and balance impairment.

There was a statistical significant difference between balance impairment and ADHD predominant types, also, significant difference between balance and groups of DCD, positive correlation between balance impairment and total score of DCD questionnaire and total percentile rank of MABC2, Conclusion: ADHD is highly associated with impairment of balance so motor profile should be clearly assessed for better intervention to improve children quality of life.