Trunk and pelvic alignment in relation to postural control in children with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND: Trunk-pelvic mal-alignment and postural control deficit are common problems facing children with cerebral palsy (CP). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relation of trunk and pelvic alignment with postural control in children with diplegic CP. METHODS: Seventy seven children with spastic diplegic CP, aged from 6 to 8 years with level II on Gross Motor Function Classification System, participated in this study. Trunk imbalance, lateral deviation of the spine and pelvic tilt were evaluated by using Formetric instrumentation system while postural control was assessed by using Pediatric Balance Scale. RESULTS: The results showed that there was a moderate negative correlation of trunk imbalance, lateral deviation of the spine and pelvic tilt with postural control (-0.44, -0.59 and -0.57, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Increased trunk imbalance, lateral deviation of the spine and pelvic tilt may be associated with decreased postural control ability in children with diplegic CP.