Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026
Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Published on: December 11, 2013
Seat surface inclination may affect postural stability during Boccia ball throwing in children with cerebral palsy
Yung-Shen Tsai1, Yi-Chen Yu2, Po-Chang Huang3
1Graduate Institute of Sports Equipment Technology, University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan.
Insights
An anterior-inclined seat improves Boccia ball throwing performance and postural stability in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Posterior inclination hinders movement and stability, while a horizontal seat offers intermediate results.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Science
- Biomechanics
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
Background:
- Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often face challenges in motor control and postural stability.
- Adaptive seating can potentially enhance functional performance in children with CP.
- Boccia is a Paralympic sport that requires precise throwing movements and good postural control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of seat surface inclination on Boccia ball throwing mechanics and postural stability in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy.
- To compare the effects of anterior, posterior, and horizontal seat inclinations on throwing performance and stability.
Main Methods:
- Twelve children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (GMFCS Levels I-III) participated.
- Participants performed Boccia throwing tasks on 15° anterior-inclined, posterior-inclined, and horizontal seats.
- An electromagnetic motion analysis system and force plate were used to measure throwing kinematics and postural stability (Center of Pressure - COP).
Main Results:
- Seat inclination significantly affected pediatric reach test performance, elbow movement amplitude, peak vertical ground reaction force (PVGRF), and COP movement range.
- Anterior inclination resulted in greater elbow movement amplitude, higher PVGRF, and reduced COP range compared to other inclines.
- Posterior inclination led to decreased reaching distance, lower PVGRF, and increased COP range, indicating reduced stability.
Conclusions:
- An anterior-inclined seat surface enhances Boccia ball throwing performance and postural stability in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy.
- Posterior inclination negatively impacts throwing mechanics and stability.
- Adaptive seating strategies, specifically anterior inclination, can be beneficial for improving functional outcomes in this population.
Abstract:
The aim of the study was to examine how seat surface inclination affects Boccia ball throwing movement and postural stability among children with cerebral palsy (CP). Twelve children with bilateral spastic CP (3 with gross motor function classification system Level I, 5 with Level II, and 4 with Level III) participated in this study. All participants underwent pediatric reach tests and ball throwing performance analyses while seated on 15° anterior- or posterior-inclined, and horizontal surfaces. An electromagnetic motion analysis system was synchronized with a force plate to assess throwing motion and postural stability. The results of the pediatric reach test (p = 0.026), the amplitude of elbow movement (p = 0.036), peak vertical ground reaction force (PVGRF) (p < 0.001), and movement range of the center of pressure (COP) (p < 0.020) were significantly affected by seat inclination during throwing. Post hoc comparisons showed that anterior inclination allowed greater amplitude of elbow movement and PVGRF, and less COP movement range compared with the other inclines. Posterior inclination yielded less reaching distance and PVGRF, and greater COP movement range compared with the other inclines. The anterior-inclined seat yielded superior postural stability for throwing Boccia balls among children with bilateral spastic CP, whereas the posterior-inclined seat caused difficulty.
More Related Videos
07:52Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability
Published on: September 18, 2020
08:24Sit-to-stand-and-walk from 120% Knee Height: A Novel Approach to Assess Dynamic Postural Control Independent of Lead-limb
Published on: August 30, 2016
