Relationship between static postural control and the level of functional abilities in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Background: Postural control deficits can impair functional performance in children with cerebral palsy (CP) in daily living activities. Objective: To verify the relationship between standing static postural control and the functional ability level in children with CP. Method: The postural control of 10 children with CP (gross motor function levels I and II) was evaluated during static standing on a force platform for 30 seconds. The analyzed variables were the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) displacement of the center of pressure (CoP) and the area and velocity of the CoP oscillation. The functional abilities were evaluated using the mean Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) scores, which evaluated self-care, mobility and social function in the domains of functional abilities and caregiver assistance. Results: Spearman's correlation test found a relationship between postural control and functional abilities. The results showed a strong negative correlation between the variables of ML displacement of CoP, the area and velocity of the CoP oscillation and the PEDI scores in the self-care and caregiver assistance domains. Additionally, a moderate negative correlation was found between the area of the CoP oscillation and the mobility scores in the caregiver assistance domain. We used a significance level of 5% (p <0.05). Conclusions:We observed that children with cerebral palsy with high CoP oscillation values had lower caregiver assistance scores for activities of daily living (ADL) and consequently higher levels of caregiver dependence. These results demonstrate the repercussions of impairments to the body structure and function in terms of the activity levels of children with CP such that postural control impairments in these children lead to higher requirements for caregiver assistance.

Stochastic resonance stimulation improves balance in children with cerebral palsy: a case control study

“…We acknowledge that our findings were interpreted in light of the assumption that a decrease in the computed COP variables due to the application of SR indicated balance improvements. In agreement, prior studies on postural balance in CP indicated that decreased COP sway is associated with increased stability [ 7 , 9 , 26 , 68 ]. Specifically, and similar to our COP outcome measures in the no stimulation condition between the 2 groups, children with CP usually demonstrate increased postural sway during quiet stance compared to their TD peers.…”

“…The development of movement and posture in CP is primarily affected by a static lesion that occurs in the developing fetal or infant brain [ 5 ]. Although the brain injury is not progressive, it results in motor and functional impairments that are progressive through a lifetime and related with reduced ambulatory ability [ 6 ] and poor balance performance [ 7 – 9 ]. In particular, postural instability has the most significant contribution to the model of primary impairments (i.e., related to the brain injury) compared to the muscle tone and motor coordination deficits in this population [ 10 ].…”

“…Sensory deficits are also prevalent in individuals with CP [ 13 – 18 ], and can largely affect postural control and consequently balance. Furthermore, balance deficits in this population are associated with inability to successfully perform functional activities [ 1 ], increased risk for falls and higher levels of caregiver dependence [ 7 ], and can potentially lead to decreased chances for environmental exploration and social participation.…”

The Effect of Task-oriented Training on Mobility Function, Postural Stability in Children with Cerebral Palsy

“…Furthermore, such a therapeutic intervention will improve their functional level. Postural control deficit is one of the main causes of gait disorders among children with cerebral palsy (Pavão et al, 2014;Stackhouse et al, 2007). Provision of an intervention consisting of task -oriented training to these children improved their balance and walking ability (Peungsuwan et al, 2017).…”

The Effects of Trunk Control on Respiratory Muscle Strength and Activities of Daily Living in Children with Cerebral Palsy

“…Postural control is defined as ensuring proper posi-tioning of the body in space as well as maintaining body alignment and stability by controlling the center of gravity in the base of support (5). Dysfunction in postural control is a key problem in children with CP.…”