Application of a bi-planar postural stability model in children with cerebral palsy

This study presents initial results from a bi-planar model used to investigate the neurological factors affecting balance deficits in children with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). The model uses an inverted pendulum to describe sway in both the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) planes. The study presents Center of Pressure (COP) data from 17 children diagnosed with spastic diplegic CP using two standard AMTI force plates. Sway metrics in the time and frequency domains in the AP and ML planes were calculated and compared to simulations produced by the model. The proposed bi-planar model successfully reproduced sway signals acquired from experimental (clinical) data.