Changes in trunk sway and impairment during sitting and standing in children with cerebral palsy

Poor postural control constitutes a major impairment in children with cerebral palsy (CP), compromising everyday activities such as sitting- and standing-position.

In this study, we measured trunk sway during sitting- and standing-position. Additionally, we assessed trunk control ability using the trunk impairment scale (TIS), trunk control measurement scale (TCMS), and sitting assessment test for children with neuromotor dysfunction (SACND), in children with CP.

Fifteen children (10 boys and 5 girls) were recruited for this study. Trunk sway was measured using a triaxial accelerometer that recorded variation in movement acceleration during quiet sitting- and standing-position.

Anterior-posterior (AP) acceleration was significantly greater in the standing position than the sitting position (p= 0.001). Medio-lateral (ML) acceleration was significantly greater in the standing position than in the sitting position (p= 0.012). The TIS total score showed a moderate negative relationship with AP acceleration (r=-0.635, p= 0.011). The TCMS total score moderately and negatively correlated with AP acceleration (r=-0.582, p= 0.023). The SACND total score moderately and positively correlated with AP acceleration (r= 0.670, p= 0.006).

Measurement of trunk sway using a triaxial accelerometer revealed a moderate correlation with trunk control test data and excellent reliability. Our findings suggest that measurement of trunk sway using a triaxial accelerometer is not time-consuming, and is simple and easy. Our approach can be applied in clinical settings to gain information on trunk control in children with CP.