Relationship Between Gross Motor Coordination and Balance in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

PURPOSE:

To examine the relationship between the gross motor coordination and balance in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND:

Motor coordination is required for the effective acquisition of movements and effortless performance. Gross motor coordination involves numerous skills, including balance, bilateral movement, agility, and speed. Children with cerebral palsy exhibit a deterioration in gross motor coordination ability.

The lack of postural control in children with cerebral palsy impairs functional balance. According to studies, children with cerebral palsy have poorer static and dynamic balance responses than typically developing children.

HYPOTHESES:

• There is no relationship between gross motor coordination and balance in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

RESEARCH QUESTION:

• Is there a relationship between gross motor coordination and balance in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

Inclusion criteria

• They were scored Level I on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).
• The subjects' age was from five to eleven years.
• They were at least 1-meter-tall and not less 20 Kg.
• They had to comprehend verbal commands.
• They were score 1 to 1+ based on Modified Ashworth' Scale.

Exclusion criteria

• Contracture, deformity and/or tightness in upper or lower limbs.
• Botulinum toxin in the last year.
• Recent fracture.
• Vertigo or dizziness.
• Epilepsy.
• Osteoporosis.
• Recent operation in the six months at least (according to the type of operation).