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Clinical characteristics of impaired trunk control in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Lieve Heyrman1, Kaat Desloovere, Guy Molenaers

  • 1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Tervuursevest 101, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium. Lieve.Heyrman@faber.kuleuven.be

Research in Developmental Disabilities
|September 25, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Trunk control is impaired in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP), with scores varying by motor impairment type and severity. This study highlights key areas for targeted interventions to enhance functional abilities in affected children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) significantly impacts motor function in children.
  • Trunk control is a fundamental component of motor development and function.
  • Understanding trunk control deficits is crucial for effective rehabilitation strategies in pediatric CP.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize the clinical features of impaired trunk control in children with spastic CP.
  • To investigate the relationship between trunk control, topography, and severity of motor impairment.
  • To provide insights for developing targeted interventions for improving trunk control in children with CP.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 100 children diagnosed with spastic CP (mean age 11.4 years) participated.
  • Trunk control was assessed using the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS), evaluating static sitting balance, selective movement control, and dynamic reaching.
  • Data were analyzed in relation to motor impairment topography (hemiplegia, diplegia, quadriplegia) and severity (Gross Motor Function Classification System - GMFCS levels).

Main Results:

  • Overall trunk control was significantly impaired, with a median TCMS score of 66% (38.5/58).
  • Impairment was most pronounced in selective movement control (57%) and dynamic reaching (60%), while static sitting balance was relatively better (90%).
  • TCMS scores demonstrated significant differences across CP topographies (hemiplegia > diplegia > quadriplegia) and decreased progressively with increasing GMFCS levels.

Conclusions:

  • Trunk control deficits are prevalent in children with spastic CP, varying in extent based on motor impairment characteristics.
  • The study identifies specific areas of trunk control (selective movement, dynamic reaching) requiring therapeutic attention.
  • Findings support the development of tailored interventions targeting trunk control to improve functional outcomes in children with CP.

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