Evaluation of functional mobility, balance and executive functions in children with epilepsy

Aim: This study was planned to evaluate functional mobility, balance and executive functions in children diagnosed epilepsy without additional comorbidities. Material and Method: 21 children with epilepsy (Group I) and 21 healthy children (Group II) who were similar in terms of age and gender were included in the study. Demographic information of patients and families was questioned with a descriptive questionnaire. Timed Up and Go Test and Stair Climbing Test were used to evaluate functional mobility, Pediatric Berg Balance Scale was used to evaluate balance status, and Behavior Evaluation Inventory for Executive Functions was used to evaluate executive functions. Results: A significant difference was found between children with epilepsy and their healthy peers in terms of functional mobility and executive functions (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of balance parameter (p>0.05). A significant difference was found between the executive functions and functional mobility status of the participants in Group I. number (R2) is 0.718; The coefficient of determination showing that the change in the Stair Climbing Test score was explained by the executive function sub-domains was evaluated as (R2) 0.725. Conclusion: According to results of study, it is important to recognize motor skills and executive functions problems of children with epilepsy who do not have additional comorbidities and to direct them to appropriate programs. Key Words: Child, balance, epilepsy, functional mobility, executive function