Effects of Different Dual-Task Exercises in Children With Mild Mental Retardation

Berg Balance Scale (BBS)

The Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), used to assess functional balance in children during daily activities, is a highly reliable measurement tool. It is an adapted version of the Berg Balance Scale specifically designed for children. The scale consists of 14 items evaluating functional movements such as standing up, picking up an object from the floor, transferring, balancing on one foot, and sitting. Each item is scored on a scale from 0 to 4, with 4 indicating the ability to perform the task independently. The maximum score is 56. Scores between 0-20 indicate poor balance, 21-40 indicate acceptable balance, and 41-56 indicate good balance.

Timed Up and Go Test

Description: The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) is used to assess functional mobility by measuring walking speed, postural control, and balance. The test involves standing up from a standard-height chair without armrests, walking a distance of 3 meters, turning around, walking back to the chair, and sitting down. Participants perform one practice trial followed by three test trials, with the average time recorded in seconds. A shorter duration indicates better functional mobility and balance.

Tandem Walking Test

Description: The Tandem Walking Test is used to assess dynamic balance, a function primarily controlled by the cerebellum. Participants are instructed to walk 10 steps in a straight line, placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the other foot with each step, minimizing the base of support. The time taken to complete the 10 steps is recorded, and a shorter time indicates better dynamic balance.

Stroop Test

Description: The Stroop Test is a neuropsychological assessment that measures cognitive processing speed, selective attention, response inhibition, and cognitive flexibility-functions associated with the frontal lobe. It includes four cards, each containing six rows with four items per row. Participants are required to name the color of the ink used rather than the word itself, evaluating their ability to inhibit habitual responses and adapt to cognitive interference.

Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL)

The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), developed by Varni et al., is a validated tool used to assess health-related quality of life in children aged 2 to 18. The scale consists of four subdomains: physical, emotional, social, and school functioning. It provides a total score, a physical health summary score, and a psychosocial health summary score (derived from emotional, social, and school subscales). Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale, then transformed into a 0-100 scale, where higher scores indicate better perceived quality of life.