Evaluation of postural balance in children with cerebral palsy

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to compare the balance parameters of cerebral palsy subgroups and healthy control groups and to investigate the relationship between physical examination findings and postural balance of children with cerebral palsy. Materials and methods: This study included children with cerebral palsy with gross motor function scores 1-2 and healthy children aged 5-10 years. Modified Ashworth Scale was used in the lower extremity spasticity examination of the study group. The hip flexion contracture angle and popliteal angle were measured by the investigator. For those who had previously withdrawn pelvic graphs, the Reimer migration percentages were calculated and recorded. In evaluating functional balance, pediatric Berg equilibrium scale and time-up and go test were used. The balance parameters of all children participating in the study were calculated by means of a falling risk assessment device and a force platform device. Results: Eighty of the 32 children studied were unilateral, eight bilateral spastic type cerebral palsy and 16 were healthy. Five patients (31.25%) were female and 11 patients (68.75%) were both cerebral palsy and control group. Among the risk factors, prenatal factors were the most common. The values of release in the direction of ML and AP measured by the pressure platform device were higher than in the healthy control group in both cerebral palsy subgroups. There was no significant relationship between the measurements that the eyes were open and closed. The increase in the stability index score in the measurements obtained with the fall risk assessment device was significant only in the unilateral spastic type cerebral palsy group. The measurements of both cerebral palsy groups on the foam were found to be impaired according to the control group. The time-up and go test scores of bilateral spastic type cerebral palsy correlated significantly with the balance parameters. The PBDS score is inversely correlated with the balance disorder in both SP subgroups. In children with unilateral spastic type SP, the balance measurements deteriorated when hip flexion contracture angle increased. Results: The postural balance of children with cerebral palsy is impaired compared to healthy children and the risk of falls is increased. For this reason, the balance of these children needs to be assessed in detail and the appropriate rehabilitation program should be regulated. Reduction of KFKA is especially important in improving the balance of unilateral type SP cases. Children with cerebral palsy on dark and rough surfaces should be more careful in such environments as their balance is more disturbed. Key words: Cerebral Palsy, Postural Balance