Reliability of the Community Balance and Mobility Scale (CB&M) in high-functioning school-aged children and adolescents who have an acquired brain injury

Abstract

Primary objective: To examine inter-rater, intra-rater and test–re-test reliability of the Community Balance and Mobility Scale (CB&M) and compare reliability in live vs videotape rating contexts for children with acquired brain injury (ABI).

Research design: Repeated measures design.

Methods and procedures: Seven physiotherapists (PTs) were trained as assessors. The primary assessor administered and scored baseline CB&M while the second assessor observed and scored independently (inter-rater reliability). Re-assessment occurred 3–10 days later by primary assessor (test–re-test reliability). Assessments were videotaped.

Main outcomes and results: There were 32 participants with ABI (mean age = 14 years 1 month (SD = 2 years 1 month)). Baseline mean scores were 67.4% (18.2) and 66.7% (18.3) for primary and second assessor, respectively. Primary assessors’ re-test mean score was 69.3%. Inter-rater reliability ICC was 0.93 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.87–0.97). Test–re-test ICC was 0.90 (95%CI = 0.81–0.95) and Bland-Altman plot indicated greatest test–re-test differences for mid-range CB&M scores. Minimum detectable change (MDC₉₀) was 13.5% points.

Conclusions: The CB&M showed excellent reliability in youth. Reliability was comparable for live and videotape rating approaches, meaning that the easier and less expensive live-rating can be recommended. Future work should focus on evaluation of responsiveness to change in rehabilitation centre and community intervention contexts.

• Paediatrics
• physical therapy
• gross motor skills
• rehabilitation
• outcome measure
• psychometric properties