Comparison of postural control between strabismic and non-strabismic children

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Strabismus, a common visual disorder, affects eye alignment and may impact motor control.
• Postural control is essential for daily activities and relies on visual, vestibular, and somatosensory inputs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare the postural control abilities of children diagnosed with strabismus (esotropia and exotropia) against a control group of non-strabismus children.
• To identify specific parameters of postural control that are affected by strabismus.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional cohort study involving 171 children (73 esotropia, 24 exotropia, 74 controls).
• Postural control was assessed using a dynamometric platform under various sensory conditions (eyes open/closed, different visual distances, foam pad).
• Key variables measured included center of pressure displacement (area, speed, X/Y axis lengths).

Main Results:

• Children with esotropia and exotropia demonstrated significantly poorer postural control (higher speed, longer displacement) than controls.
• Exotropia group showed greater instability than esotropia and controls under specific conditions (eyes open, far fixation, foam pad).
• All groups exhibited reduced postural stability with eyes closed compared to eyes open, highlighting vision's role.

Conclusions:

• Strabismus in children is associated with impaired postural control.
• Visual input is critical for maintaining postural stability in both children with and without strabismus.
• The findings underscore the importance of visual function in the development and maintenance of balance.