Influence of Lower Extremity Impairment and Trunk Control on Postural Control and Functional Mobility in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Purpose: To determine influence of lower extremity impairment and trunk control on postural control and functional mobility in children with spastic Cerebral Palsy (CP). Methods 25 children with between the ages of 6–17 were evaluated. Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) E Section, Modified Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Computerized Dynamic Posturography, Sensory Organization Test (SOT) were applied; lower limb’s range of movement (ROM) of joints were evaluated passively to all participants. Spasticity levels of lower limbs were evaluated. Results In children with CP, there were significant relationship between spasticity, ROM and trunk control and motor function capacity and composite balance score (p < 0,05). Impairments of the lower extremity in children with CP were related with balance responses (p < 0,05). (p < 0,05). TUG, and composite balance score tests were correlated with all sub-dimensions of TIS (p < 0,05). the results of univariate and multivariate regression analyses and TIS total were found to be independent risk factor of TUG and GMFM-E according to the univariate analyses (ß=-0.77, B:0.353 standard error: 0.061, p < 0.01; ß=0.809, B:3.806 standard error: 0.578 p < 0.045 respectively). According to the multivariate regression analyses, TIS dynamic, SOM and VEST were found predictors of mTUG, and ROM, TIS dynamic and coordination, VIS were found predictors of GMFM-E (p < 0.05). Conclusion Lower limb impairment and trunk control plays important role on postural control and functional mobility, therefore it is important including these parameters into the physiotherapy and rehabilitation aiming to improve functional mobility.