Comparison of postural instability between the spastic diplegic and hemiplegic children with cerebral palsy

Context: Cerebral palsy (CP) is known as a sensory and neuromuscular deficit, which is caused by nonprogressive brain defect that occurs during infancy or early childhood. Children with cerebral palsy are a heterogeneous group, varying considerably in movement abilities. Balance and postural control are the fundamental components of movement. Children with many types of motor dysfunction have complications in maintaining postural stability, as maintenance of postural stability is an integral part of all movements. These children exhibit clumsiness and frequent falls during regular activities. Aim: To compare the postural instability between the children with cerebral palsy having spastic diplegia and hemiplegia. Materials and Methods: Hundred age-matched children with cerebral palsy from the age group of 5 to 12 years were included in this study, with 50 children in each group of spastic diplegic and hemiplegic, respectively. They were asked to perform 2 tests for testing their postural instability. The tests were Early Clinical Assessment and Balance (ECAB) scale and Pediatric Reach Test (PRT). The total scores were then statistically compared between the groups using Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: (A) The P value for ECAB was found to be 0.434 (B). The P value for the PRT was found to be as follows - Age group: 5-6 years: 0.68, age group: 7-8 years: 0.61, age group: 9-10: 0.28, and age group: 11-12 years: 0.58. Conclusion: The study showed no significant difference in postural instability between the two groups.