Effect of Social Support in Pain Sensitivity in Children with Cerebral Palsy and Typically Developing Children

Pain and abnormal somatosensory processing are important associated conditions in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). Perceived social support is highly relevant for pain perception and coping.

The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of social support on pain sensitivity in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy and healthy peers.

Cross-sectional study.

Pressure pain thresholds were assessed in 42 children and adolescents with CP and 190 healthy peers during three different conditions: alone, with their mother and with a stranger.

Children with CP reported lower pain sensitivity when they were with their mother than being alone or with a stranger, whereas healthy peers did not experience different pain sensitivity related to the social condition. Sex or clinical characteristics did not affect the relationship between pain perception and social support.

The present study shows how children with CP are highly affected by social and contextual influences for regulating pain sensitivity. Solicitous parental support may enhance pain perception in children with CP. Further research on the topic is warranted in order to attain well-founded conclusions for clinical practice.