Gross Motor Abnormalities in Relation to Balance and Weight Indicators in Diplegia

Spastic diplegia is the most common type of CP that results in problems with posture, balance, as well as gait control. For children suffering from spastic diplegic CP, balance problems provide a significant difficulty since they make it difficult for them to achieve and maintain balance . Additionally, they commonly demonstrate delayed development of gross motor function that has been connected to functional outcomes, such as daily living tasks . The prevalence of obesity in the CP population has risen over the last decade from 7.7 to 16.5 %. . Obesity is associated with health risks and difficulties in balance and walking. this cross-sectional-correlation study was conducted at the Outpatient Clinic at the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University. The study included 104 diplegic children aged from 5-10 years, 53 in normal weight group and 51 in overweight group. Dynamic balance was evaluated by overall stability index (OSI) in biodex balance system and gross motor capacities (GMC) were evaluated by standing &walking dimensions in GMFM

Inclusion criteria

Children selected according to the following criteria:

• Diagnosed with diplegic CP
• Their ages will range between 5 and 10 years
• Subjects will participate according to BMI classification ; normal weight in the first group and (obese , overweight) in the second group .
• They must be able to stand independently.
• Have minimum height of 100 cm.
• Have a developmental level of grade I or II according to gross motor function classification system GMFM.
• Able to understand and follow instructions.

Exclusion criteria

• Auditory defects.
• Visual defects.
• Cognitive or vestibular defects.
• Use of an assistive device.
• Fixed deformity, bony or joint limitation.
• Surgery (tendon lengthening).