The Analysis of Postural Control of Children with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy in Unstable Sitting

Objective: To investigate differences in the dynamic postural control in unstable sitting position between children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) and normally developing children. Method: Sixteen children with spastic diplegic CP who could sit alone and walk independently and sixteen age-matched normally developing children were included. The evaluation system for postural control consisted of unstable platform, force plate, frame, safety harness, monitor and computer. Force plate on unstable platform measured center of pressure (COP) of the subject. COP sway, COP maintaining time and COP moving time were recorded in both groups. In diplegic CP group, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) was evaluated. Results: In COP sway, the distance away from central location was significantly increased and time maintaining on circle at center decreased significantly in diplegic CP group (p < 0.05). The children with diplegic CP showed significant decrease in maintaining time and significant increase in moving time in all directions. COP sway was significantly correlated with GMFM. Conclusion: Postural control in children with spastic diplegic CP walking independently was revealed to be significantly worse compared to normal age-matched children. Further studies are necessary to find out whether the training for seated postural control could improve the motor function.