Sensorimotor Control During Postural Transitions in CP

Inclusion criteria

for individuals with CP:

• Age 10-21
• Diagnosis of CP
• GMFCS level I-II
• Ability to stand up from a chair and start walking.
• Migration index of proximal hip (MIGR) < 40% femoral head covering in acetabulum
• At least 0° passive dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM)
• Sufficient visuoperceptual, cognitive and communication skills
• Seizure-free or well-controlled seizures
• No other neurological or musculoskeletal disorders (e.g. dystonia, severe scoliosis, hip instability
• Ability to communicate pain or discomfort
• Ability to assent/consent or obtain parent/guardian consent

Exclusion criteria

for individuals with CP:

• Scoliosis with primary curve > 40%
• Spinal fusions extending into pelvis
• Lower Extremity joint instability or dislocation
• Severe tactile hypersensitivity
• Lower extremity botulinum injections in the past 6 months
• Implanted medical device or metal contraindicative of the application of SR
• Pregnancy (self-reported)
• Severe lower extremity spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale score of 4 or greater)
• History of pulmonary disease limiting exercise tolerance (Asthma Control Test screen)
• History of cardiac disease (American Heart Association screen)
• Severely limited range of joint motion/ irreversible muscle contractures
• Lower extremity surgery or significant injury within last 1 yr.

Inclusionary criteria for typically developing volunteers:

• Aged 10-21 years old
• Ability to stand up from a chair and start walking without an assistive device or orthoses
• Able to communicate discomfort during testing and can follow multi-step directions
• Has not been diagnosed with any neurological or balance disorders
• Seizure-free

Exclusionary criteria for typically developing volunteers:

• Diagnosis of CP
• Significant scoliosis with primary curve > 40°
• Lower extremity surgery or fractures in the year prior testing
• Joint instability or dislocation in the lower extremities
• Severe tactile hypersensitivity
• A history of selective dorsal root rhizotomy
• Botulinum toxin injections in the lower extremities within the past 6 months
• Marked visual or hearing deficits
• Any embedded metal that may be contraindicated with application of SR
• Severe spasticity of the lower extremity muscles (eg. a score of 4 on the Modified Ashworth)
• Pregnancy (self-reported)
• Severely limited joint range of motion/ irreversible muscle contractures that would not be candidates for soft-tissue surgery
• Learning disabilities
• History of neurological disorders
• Balance and/or postural impairment