Ayşe Burcu ERDOĞDU YILDIRIM, Gözde YAZKAN AKGÜL, Rekib SAÇAKLIDIR, Evrim KARADAĞ SAYGI
Klinik Psikiyatri Dergisi - 2026;29(3):199-210
Objective: This study examined whether postural instability in children with Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) is associated with cognitive-attentional processes or broader motor involvement. Method: Seventy children aged 7-11 years participated in the study, including 41 children with SLD and 29 typically developing controls. Postural stability was assessed using the NeuroCom Balance Master and the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB) across four conditions: hard surface eyes open (HSEO), hard surface eyes closed (HSEC), foam surface eyes open (FSEO), and foam surface eyes closed (FSEC). Attention was measured using the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Scale-IV (SNAP-IV), and cognitive performance was estimated using the Vocabulary and Block Design subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R). Parent-reported motor coordination difficulties were assessed using the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire-2007 (DCDQ'07). Group differences were examined using independent samples tests, followed by ANCOVA models adjusting for attentional symptoms, verbal ability, and parent-reported motor coordination difficulties. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of postural performance. Results: Children with SLD demonstrated significantly greater postural sway across all balance conditions (all p < .001). Group differences remained significant after adjusting for attentional symptoms and verbal ability. Additional ANCOVA models including DCDQ'07 scores also indicated persistent group differences in postural control parameters. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that SLD diagnosis was significantly associated with postural instability across conditions, whereas BMI was associated only in the HSEO condition. Discussion: Postural control difficulties were more frequently observed in children with SLD compared with typically developing peers, even after adjusting for attentional symptoms, verbal abilities, and parent-reported motor coordination difficulties. However, given the cross-sectional design and potential confounding factors, including ADHD comorbidity and socioeconomic differences, these findings should be interpreted cautiously. Overall, the results suggest that postural instability may be related to broader neurodevelopmental mechanisms involving sensorimotor integration.
