Relati̇onshi̇p between sensory profi̇le, balance, and trunk control i̇n chi̇ldren wi̇th cerebral palsy

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pediatric Rehabilitation
• Occupational Therapy

Background:

• Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder impacting motor skills, balance, and sensory processing.
• Quadriparetic CP, a severe form, presents significant challenges in daily functioning.
• Understanding the interplay between sensory processing, balance, and trunk control is vital for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the detailed relationship between sensory profiles and motor control in children with spastic quadriparetic CP.
• To provide evidence supporting the integration of sensory-targeted strategies into CP rehabilitation.
• To identify specific sensory domains most associated with balance and trunk control deficits.

Main Methods:

• The study involved 32 children diagnosed with spastic quadriparetic CP.
• Sensory processing was assessed using the Dunn Sensory Profile.
• Balance was evaluated using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), and trunk control using the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS).

Main Results:

• Sensory processing disorders were prevalent, affecting 81.5% of assessed parameters.
• Balance scores positively correlated with vestibular processing, proprioception, endurance, tone regulation, and sensory seeking.
• Trunk control showed positive correlations with stimuli perception, vestibular processing, oral sensory processing, and sensitivity to stimuli.

Conclusions:

• Impaired sensory processing, particularly in vestibular, proprioceptive, somatosensory, and oral domains, is linked to deficits in balance and trunk control in children with CP.
• Evaluating sensory profiles is essential for children with CP.
• Sensory-focused assessments and interventions should be integrated into rehabilitation programs to enhance motor and functional outcomes.