Nancy Darr

Development of balance and postural control in children

Development and refinement of the Pediatric Balance Scale

Pediatric vestibular function

Adapted ride on toys (Go Baby Go) and development of motor, social and language skills

American Physical Therapy Association

Belmont University Faculty Scholarship Award

Loma Linda University Doctoral Research Award

Darr N. Franjoine MR, Young B, Norton, CP.  Contemporary Normative Values for Five Common Static Standing Positions by Age and Floor Surface in Children Two to Thirteen Years. Children. Article accepted, awaiting publication

Michaels N, Darr N, Alama C, Callahan C, Jacobs T, Rungee A, Youngblood M.  The Effect of Aquatic Exercise on Balance in Ambulatory Individuals With Down Syndrome: An Interventional Feasibility Study.  The Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy 31(2):p 41-49, May/August 2023. |  

Liotta-Kleinfeld L, Darr N,  Lemmonds T,  Plummer.  The Development and Evaluation of a Pediatric Interprofessional Education (IPE) Experience for Occupational and Physical Therapy Graduate Students. Occupational Therapy In Health Care. Published online , March 25, 2022.  DOI: 10.1080/07380577.2022.2051781 

Franjoine MR, Darr N, Young B, LaForme Fiss A, McCoy S.  Examination of the effects of age, sex and motor ability level on balance capabilities in children with cerebral palsy, GMFCS levels I, II, III, and Typical development using the Pediatric Balance Scale.    Developmental Neurorehabilitation.  2022:15(2);115-124  DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2021.1943033 

Arps K, Darr N, Katz J.  Effect of adapted motorized ride-on toy use on developmental skills, quality of life, and driving competency in nonambulatory children age 9-60 months.  Assistive Technology.  September 20, 2021  https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2021.1956643 

Gegan, M, Plummer T, Darr N. An Exploratory Study of The Perceptions of Footwear for Individuals who use Lower Limb Orthotics.  Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2020;18(4):Article 8 

Darr N, Using Adapted Ride-on Motorized Toys to Enhance Movement and Participation. On-line course. NDTA.org.  Published August, 2019. 

Darr N, Franjoine MR, Campbell SK, Smith E.  Psychometric Properties of the Pediatric Balance Scale. Pediatr PhysTher. 2015 Winter;27(4):337-48. 

Darr N. Evidence based practice part II: Searching the literature. NDTA Network. 2013;20(1). 

Darr N. Evidence Based Practice Part 1: Developing a researchable questions. NDTA Network. 2012;19(4):1-18. 

Franjoine MR, Darr N, Young B, Held S, Kott K. The performance of Children Developing Typically on the Pediatric Balance Scale. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2010;22(4):350-359. 

Grindstaff TL, Christiano K, Broos AM, Straub DA, Westphal KA, Darr NS. Assessment of a Practice Effect in Serial Sensory Organization Testing Scores of Healthy Adults. Perceptual and Motor Skills. 102:379-386, 2006. 

Kroger AM, Mitchell SY, Smothers JH, Welch AM, Halle JS, Darr NS, Greathouse DG. The Influence of Gender, Foot Dominance, and Lower Extremity Side on Neural Conduction in the Deep Fibular and Sural Nerves. Section of Clinical Electrophysiology Newsletter, 12(2):3-4, 2003. 

Bowie EA, Brimer KM, Kidder MS, Wallis ML, Darr NS, Halle JS, Greathouse DG. Median and Ulnar Nerve Conduction Studies in Young Adult Violinists. Medical Problems of Performing Artists. 2000; 123-128.

Henderson J, Brown SE, Price S, Darr NS. Foot Pressures during a Common Ballet Jump in Standing and Supine Positions. Medical Problems of Performing Artists. 1993;8:125-131.

Norton C, Darr N, Franjoine MR.  Relationship Between Children’s Vestibular Function as Measured by Dynamic Visual Acuity and their Functional Balance Skills as Measured by the Pediatric Balance Scale 2nd Edition, Norton C, Darr N, Franjoine MR. Accepted for presentation at APTA Combined Sections Meeting 2025.

Franjoine MR, Darr N, Scheid J.  Predicting Performance of Children on the Pediatric Balance Scale, Second Edition Using PBS Scores.  Accepted for presentation at APTA Combined Sections Meeting 2025.

Lewis K,  Norton C, Darr N, Cauthen H.  Normative Values for Instrumented Gaze Stabilization Visual Acuity Test Following Fatigue.  Poster presentation at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting,  Boston, MA,  February 2024 

Franjoine MR, Norton C, Darr N, Young B. Examining the effects of Otitis Media on Children’s Balance using the PBS-2.  Poster presentation at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting,  San Diego, CA. February 2023.  

Hedden K, Quigley K, Darr N, Fontana R, Newman K, Betters K.  Reliability of the Physical Abilities and Mobility Scale within a Pediatric Acute Care Setting. Poster presentation at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting,  San Diego, CA. February 2023.  

Franjoine M, Darr N, Young B.  Ability of the PBS-2 to Differentiate Balance Dysfunction in Children ages 2 to 13 Years.  Platform presentation at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio Texas. February 2022.  

Franjoine M, Darr N, Young B.  Performance of Children Developing Typically on the Pediatric Balance Scale, 2nd Edition.  Platform presentation at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting; February 2021 (virtual).  

Micheals N, Alama C, Callahan C, Jacobs T, Rungee A, Youngblood M, Darr N.  Pilot Study: Effect of Aquatic Exercise on Balance in Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome.  Platform Presentation at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting; February 2021. (Virtual) 

Darr N, Franjoine M, Young B.  Reliability of the Pediatric Balance Scale, Second Edition. Poster presentation at the APTA Combined Sections meeting. February 2020. Denver CO. (Abstract) Pediatr Phys Ther.  2020;32(1):Ee2.  Also presented at the Neurodevelopmental Treatment Association annual conference (virtual) April, 2021  

Darr N, Plummer T, Kleinfeld L, Cronin G, Cadey E, Strattman J.  Impact of Adapted Motorized Ride-On Toys as an Intervention Tool on Motor Skills, Socialization, and Participation in Young Children Ages 8 to 60 Months.  Poster Presentation. Neurodevelopmental Treatment Association Annual Conference. March 2019.  

Kleinfeld L, Lemmonds T.  OT, PT, and SLP Collaboration for Early Literacy.  Vanderbilt Schools SLP conference.  Nashville TN, August 2018

Franjoine M, Darr N, Young B.  Can the PBS Differentiate Balance Ability in Preschoolers with Cerebral Palsy? Poster Presentation at American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Annual Conference, Atlanta Georgia, October 2018. (Abstract) Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2017;98(12):e156

Darr N, Franjoine M, Young B. Performance of Preschool Age Children on the Pediatric Balance Scale: A Comparison of Capabilities among Children with Typical Development and Cerebral Palsy GMFCS Levels I, II, and III. Platform presentation at: APTA Combined Sections Meeting. San Antonio, TX, February 2017.   

Darr N, Franjoine M, Young B.  Minimal Detectable Difference and Meaningful Change for Children with Cerebral Palsy on the Pediatric Balance Scale. Poster presentation at IV STEP 2016: Prevention, Prediction, Plasticity, and Participation.  Columbus Ohio, July 14-19, 2016

Darr N, Franjoine M, Young B.  Effect of age, gender, balance dysfunction and floor surface on tandem stance in children. Poster presentation at: APTA Combined Sections Meeting. February 2016.  Anaheim, CA (Abstract) Pediatric Physical Therapy. 28(1):E8 E54, Spring 2016

Franjoine MR, Darr N.  Examination of Functional Mobility in Children on the Cheap: Quick, Easy, and Inex-pensive Clinical Measures – Part 2.  APTA Section on Pediatrics Annual Conference, Pittsburgh PB, November 8, 2015

Franjoine MR, Darr N.  Examination of Functional Balance in Children on the Cheap: Quick, Easy, and Inex-pensive Clinical Measures – Part 1.  APTA Section on Pediatrics Annual Conference, Pittsburgh PB, November 8, 2015.

Kleinfeld L, Darr N, Garvey T, Plummer T.  Occupational and Physical Therapy Student Perceptions of Interprofessional Learning. Poster Presentation at the American Occupational Therapy Association National Meeting.  Nashville, TN,  April 16, 2015.

Darr N, Garvey T, Hunt J, Kleinfeld L, Lane A.  Talk to Each Other:  Helping Faculty Create Meaningful IPE Activities Through Guided Reflection and Collaboration.  Poster Presentation at the American Occupational Therapy Association National Meeting.  Nashville, TN, April 16, 2015.

Plummer T, Galloway C, Darr N, et al. Go Baby Go Preconference Course.  International Seating Symposium:  Nashville, TN, February 2015.

Franjoine M, Darr N, Young B.  Evaluation of a new methodology for examining forward reach in children.  Poster presentation at: APTA Combined Sections Meeting, February 2015, Indianapolis, IN.  [Abstract] Pediatr Phys Ther. 2015;27(1)E1-8.

Dagnon E, Gibbs D, Brown R, Hallmark B, Darr N.  Occupational and Physical Therapy Student Perspectives on Teaching Acute Care Management.  Presentation at 2014 Sim Alliance Conference. Belmont University, Nashville, TN, 11/22/2014.

Darr N, Franjoine M, Young B.  Effect of age, gender, balance dysfunction and floor surface on single limb stance in children. Poster presentation at: Section on Pediatrics Annual Conference, 10/23/2014, St. Louis, MO. [Abstract] Pediatr Phys Ther. 2014;26(4):475.

Darr N, Franjoine M, Smith E, Campbell Sk.  Rasch Analysis of the Pediatric Balance Scale.  Poster Presentation at: APTA Combined Sections Meeting; February 6, 2014, Las Vegas, NV. [Abstract] Pediatr Phys Ther. 2014;26(1):15-116.

Franjoine M, Darr N, Young B. Comparison of two reach tasks in children developing typically ages two to thirteen years. Poster presentation at SoPAC, Nov 8-10, 2013, Anaheim CA. [Abstract]  Pediatr Phys Ther. 2013;25(4):479-480.

Bursch G, Darr N, Ward B, Williams M, Willis M, Halle K, Rollins K. Poster presentation.  The Effects of Backpack Carrying Method on Gait Characteristics of Middle School Children. Poster Presentation at the Tennessee Physical Therapy Association State Meeting, Nashville, TN, April 2013

Franjoine M, Darr N, Young B. Pediatric Balance Scale responsiveness to functional balance changes in children with cerebral palsy. Platform presentation at: APTA Combined Sections Meeting; January 2013; San Diego, CA. [Abstract] Pediatr Phys Ther. 2013;25(1):81.

Bursch G, Darr N, Ward B. Factors Affecting Student Evaluations of an Adult Neurological Physical Therapy Course. Platform presentation: APTA Combined Sections Meeting; January, 2013: San Diego, CA

Darr N, Franjoine M, Freatman KJ, Kibbler C, Jagord A. Tandem stance timed performance profiles for children developing typically, ages 2 to 13 years. Poster presentation at: APTA Section on Pediatrics Annual Conference; October, 2012; Orlando, FL. [Abstract] Pediatr Phys Ther. 2012;24(4):373.

Darr N, Franjoine M, Young B. Timed performance profiles for five standing activities in children developing typically, ages 2 to 13. Platform presentation at: APTA Combined Sections Meeting; January 2012; Chicago, IL. [Abstract] Pediat Phys Ther. 2012;24(1):98.

Crandall J, Cross J, Franjoine MR, Darr N, Young B. Single Limb Stance Timed Performance Profiles for Children Developing Typically. Poster presentation at: American Physical Therapy Association Section on Pediatrics Conference. Anaheim, CA. 8-31-2011. [Abstract] Pediat Phys Ther. 23(3):314, Fall 2011.

Darr NS, Franjoine MR, Young B, et.al. Comparison of the Pediatric Balance Scale with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Second Edition. American Physical  Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting. New Orleans, LA. Platform presentation. February 2011. [Abstract] Pediatr Phys Ther. 2011;30:07.

Franjoine MR, Darr N S, Young B, Copeland H, Crosset N, Mattera T, Parker J, Quong A, Sands M, Snodgrass L. Comparison of the Pediatric Balance Scale with the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales- Second Edition. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting. San Diego, CA. Platform Presentation. February 2010. [Abstract] Pediatr Phys Ther. 2010;22(1):95.

Darr N. The effect of Inframalleolar Orthotics on Temporal Gait Characteristics in Children with Hemophilia. Platform Presentation at the National Hemophilia Foundation Annual Conference, October 31, 2009; San Francisco, CA.

Franjoine MR, Darr NS, Young B. The Development of single limb stance in children ages two to twelve years. American Physical Therapy Association Section on Pediatrics Annual Conference. Orlando, Fl. Poster Presentation, January 2010. [Abstract]. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2009;21(4):385. 

Darr NS, Franjoine MR; Young B; Abbott H,; Basso G, ; Brennan A,; Gilliland E; Loggains B; Rogers R; Held S; Kott, K: : Pediatric balance scale performance in children who are developing typically and in children with mild developmental delays. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting. Las Vegas, NV. Platform Presentation. February 2009. [Abstract] Pediatr Phys Ther. 2009;21(1):89.

Domkowsky T, Darr N, Effects of Two Different Types of Cellular Phone Conversations on Gait Characteristics While Walking, Poster Presentation at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, Las Vegas, NV, February 2009.

Franjoine MR, Darr N, Young B, Cozby R, King, J, Knuckles, R, Lesniewski D, Murphy E,  Myers B. Test-retest, Intrarater, and Interratar Reliability of the Pediatric Balance Scale in Children Ages 2 to 5. Platform Presentation at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, Nashville, TN, February, 2008. [Abstract] Pediatr Phys Ther;20(1):91-22.

Bolen R, Hopper A, Lowe J, Vickers E, Ward B, Bursch G, Darr N. The Effects of Three Backpack Styles on Gait in Middle School Children. Poster Presentation at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, Nashville, TN, February, 2008. [Abstract] Pediatr Phys Ther. 2008;20(1):101-102.

Halle K, Williams M, Bratcher M, Rollins K, Darr N, Bursch G, Ward B. The Effects of Backpack Carrying Method on Gait Kinetics. Poster Presentation at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, Boston MA, February 2007. [Abstract] Pediatr Phys Ther. 2007;19(1):91-92.

Gilliam B, Charles D, Kathmann S, Smith J, Greathouse D, Darr N. Learning Effect Assessment on Subsequent Subject Performance to the Eequitest Balance System. Poster and Thematic Poster presentations at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, San Diego, CA, February, 2006. [Abstract] JNPT.2005;29(4):207-208.

McGuire S, Wakefield J, Rasnor K, Hood N, Bursch G, Giordano P, Darr N. Assessment of Teachers’ Knowledge of Backpack Use in Adolescents: A Survey. Poster presentation at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined SectionsMeeting, San Diego, CA, February 2006. [Abstract] Pediatr Phys Ther. 2006; 18(1):99-100.

Grindstaff TL, Jordan KE, Broos A, Straub D, Westphal K, Darr NS.  Assessment of a Learning Effect in Repetitive Sensory Organization Scores of Healthy Adults.   Poster presentation at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, Nashville, TN, February 6, 2005.  

Horton H, Embry S, Pulley S, Westphal K, Darr N. Test Retest Reliability of Dynamic Posturography during Single Limb Stance in Health Adults. Poster presentation at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, Tampa, FL, February, 2003. [Abstract] Neurology Report. 2002; 26(4):205.

Darr NS. Development of a Valid and Reliable Method to Assess Student Performance of Selected Joint Mobilization Procedures. Doctoral research at Loma Linda University,1997-1998. Poster presentation at the APTA Annual Conference in Washington D.C., June, 1998

Effects of Stabilization Lengths on Temporal Gait Components. USC research. Poster presentation at the APTA Annual Conference. Las Vegas, Nevada. June, 1984.

Right Hemisphere Dominance in the Control of Spatial Organization. Platform presentation at the Ohio Academy of Science Conference. Wooster, Ohio. May, 1981.

Darr N, Franjoine MR. Smith E. Campbell SK. Young B. APTA Section on Pediatrics Grant. Validation of the Pediatric Balance Scale using Rasch Analysis. Awarded funding for statistical and interpretive support for Rasch Analysis of the Pediatric Balance Scale

Tennessee Physical Therapy Association. Typical Performance on the
Revised Pediatric Balance Scale and on Selected Standing Balance Items in Children, Ages 2 through 13 Years. Awarded funding for data collection supplies.

New York Physical Therapy Association. Typical Performance on the
Revised Pediatric Balance Scale and on Selected Standing Balance Items in Children, Ages 2 through 13 Years. Awarded funding for data collection supplies.

Darr N, Robison J. National Hemophilia Foundation Grant: The Effect of Inframalleolar Orthotics on Temporal Gait Characteristics and Foot Pressures in Children with Hemophilia. Joint project with the Vanderbilt Medical Center Hemophilia Clinic. Awarded funding for equipment and salary

Darr N. (PI). Belmont University Teaching Center Time Out Grant. Flipped Classroom in Physical Therapy Curricula

Darr N. PI. Service Learning Task Force Grant: Awarded funding for supplies for Sports Day Service Learning Project