Balance Control in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Sensor Fusion for Balance Control in Children With Cerebral Palsy

The purpose of this study is to investigate how sensory information processing affects balance ability in children with cerebral palsy (CP). An additional goal is to determine if a subsensory electrical stimulation called Stochastic Resonance (SR) Stimulation, can improve balance in children with CP. Children with CP and children with typical development will participate and complete a series of clinical and balance assessments. They will also be tested in a sensor fusion paradigm to investigate potential deficits in the dynamic integration of visual, vestibular and proprioceptive information during upright stance. SR stimulation will then be used to potentially improve these deficits and subsequently their balance ability.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of spastic diplegia CP (GMFCS I- III)*
• Ability to stand independently for approximately 2 min

Exclusion Criteria:

• Lower extremity surgery or fractures in the year prior testing

• Joint instability or dislocation in the lower extremities

• Botulinum toxin injections in the lower extremities within the past 6 months*

• Marked visual or hearing deficits

• Uncontrolled seizure disorder

• Implanted medical device that may be contraindicated with application of SR stimulation

  • Asterisk indicates the eligibility criteria that should be met only by children with CP