Association between pelvic inclination and balance in children with spastic diplegia

Abstract

Background Children with spastic diplegia experience gait abnormalities and problems caused by deficits in balance, motor control, and spasticity. Abnormal pelvic inclination is common in patients with diplegia which may result in poor pelvic balance. Purpose This study was conducted to investigate the relation between pelvic inclination and standing balance in children with spastic diplegia. Subjects and methods Thirty children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy from both sexes, aged from 5 to 14 years participated in this study. Their degree of spasticity ranged from 1 to 1+ according to Modified Ashworth Scale and they were on level I or II on Gross Motor Function Classification System. Pelvic inclination angle was measured by using the formetric instrumentation system during standing position while standing balance was assessed by the Biodex Balance System. Results There was a statistically significant relation between pelvic inclination and the overall, anteroposterior, and mediolateral stability indices of standing balance (P < 0.05). Conclusion The obtained results suggested that there was significant correlation between balance and pelvic inclination in children with diplegic cerebral palsy.