Gross Motor Abnormalities in Relation to Balance and Weight Indicators in Diplegia

Correlation Between BMI , Balance and Gross Motor Capacities in Children with Spastic Diplegia

The goal of this observational study is to investigate the correlation between BMI and balance and gross motor capacities in children with spastic diplegia. The main question it aims to answer is:

Is there a correlation between BMI, balance disturbances and gross motor capacity in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy? Researchers compared between results of biodex balance system , GMFM and BMI measures participants stood on biodex balance platform for balance measurement and performed Gross Motor Function Measurement items for gross motor capacities assessment

Spastic diplegia is the most common type of CP that results in problems with posture, balance, as well as gait control. For children suffering from spastic diplegic CP, balance problems provide a significant difficulty since they make it difficult for them to achieve and maintain balance . Additionally, they commonly demonstrate delayed development of gross motor function that has been connected to functional outcomes, such as daily living tasks . The prevalence of obesity in the CP population has risen over the last decade from 7.7 to 16.5 %. . Obesity is associated with health risks and difficulties in balance and walking. this cross-sectional-correlation study was conducted at the Outpatient Clinic at the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University. The study included 104 diplegic children aged from 5-10 years, 53 in normal weight group and 51 in overweight group. Dynamic balance was evaluated by overall stability index (OSI) in biodex balance system and gross motor capacities (GMC) were evaluated by standing &walking dimensions in GMFM

Inclusion Criteria:

Children selected according to the following criteria:

• Diagnosed with diplegic CP
• Their ages will range between 5 and 10 years
• Subjects will participate according to BMI classification ; normal weight in the first group and (obese , overweight) in the second group .
• They must be able to stand independently.
• Have minimum height of 100 cm.
• Have a developmental level of grade I or II according to gross motor function classification system GMFM.
• Able to understand and follow instructions.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Auditory defects.
• Visual defects.
• Cognitive or vestibular defects.
• Use of an assistive device.
• Fixed deformity, bony or joint limitation.
• Surgery (tendon lengthening).