Analysis of postural stability in children with cerebral palsy and children with typical development: an observational study

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze and compare postural stability during static upright standing between children with cerebral palsy (CP) and age-matched peers with typical development (TD).

Methods: Forty-five children with spastic CP (34 with diplegia and 11 with hemiplegia) and 45 children with TD aged 5 to 12 years were assessed using a posturography device. Postural stability was evaluated under 4 sensory conditions: eyes open and eyes closed on a firm surface; eyes open and eyes closed on a foam surface.

Results: Statistically significant differences were obtained between children with spastic diplegic CP and children with TD under all conditions involving visual and somatosensory conflicts (P < .05), but no significant differences were found between children with hemiplegic CP and children with TD.

Conclusion: Children with spastic diplegic CP have increased postural instability under sensory conditions that involve both visual and somatosensory conflicts.