Does the Type of Toeing Affect Balance in Children With Diplegic Cerebral Palsy? An Observational Cross-sectional...

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neurology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting movement and posture.
• Diplegic CP often involves lower limb spasticity, influencing gait and foot progression angles.
• Toeing patterns, such as in-toeing and out-toeing, are frequently observed in children with CP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of different toeing patterns (in-toeing vs. out-toeing) on balance and postural control in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.
• To compare the balance capabilities of children with out-toeing versus in-toeing.

Main Methods:

• Observational study involving 30 children (aged 5-8 years) diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.
• Participants were categorized into two groups: Group A (out-toeing) and Group B (in-toeing).
• Foot progression angle was measured using dynamic footprints, and balance was assessed using the Biodex Balance System, evaluating overall, anteroposterior, and mediolateral stability.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant difference in balance and postural control was observed between the out-toeing and in-toeing groups (P < .05).
• Children in the out-toeing group (Group A) exhibited significantly better overall stability, anteroposterior stability, and mediolateral stability compared to the in-toeing group (Group B).

Conclusions:

• Children with out-toeing display superior balance and stability compared to those with in-toeing.
• The findings suggest that toeing patterns are a relevant factor influencing postural control in pediatric diplegic cerebral palsy.