Trunk and pelvic alignment in relation to postural control in children with cerebral palsy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nTrunk-pelvic mal-alignment and postural control deficit are common problems facing children with cerebral palsy (CP).\n\n\nOBJECTIVE\nThe aim of this study was to investigate the relation of trunk and pelvic alignment with postural control in children with diplegic CP.\n\n\nMETHODS\nSeventy seven children with spastic diplegic CP, aged from 6 to 8 years with level II on Gross Motor Function Classification System, participated in this study. Trunk imbalance, lateral deviation of the spine and pelvic tilt were evaluated by using Formetric instrumentation system while postural control was assessed by using Pediatric Balance Scale.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThe results showed that there was a moderate negative correlation of trunk imbalance, lateral deviation of the spine and pelvic tilt with postural control (-0.44, -0.59 and -0.57, respectively).\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nIncreased trunk imbalance, lateral deviation of the spine and pelvic tilt may be associated with decreased postural control ability in children with diplegic CP.