[Critical analysis of ADL measuring instruments in pediatrics: executive deficits and independence].

BACKGROUND

Although the assessment of the activities of daily living (ADL) through task analysis is central to the role of the occupational therapists working with children with traumatic brain injury (TBI), no review has revealed any study aimed at analyzing the instruments used to this effect, in regard to their potential to highlight the deficits associated with the executive functions (e.g., formulate a goal, planning).

PURPOSE

To determine if any ADL assessment tools validated for children 10 to 15 years with a TBI consider executive functions.

METHODS

Four tools, i.e., "Assessment of Motor and Process Skills' the "Children's Kitchen Task Assessment', the "Chocolate Cake Task" and the "ADL Profile' were analyzed according to the following criteria: 1) complexity of the tasks, 2) non-structured assessment method, and 3) psychometric properties appropriate for the target population.

RESULTS

These tools are only partially consistent with the desired criteria.

CONCLUSION

Further research on these tools will be necessary to meet the needs of this population.