The goal of this observational case-control study is to examine the relationship between sensory processing abilities, postural stability, and selective motor control (SMC) in children aged 6-10 years with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP). The study compares outcomes in children with hemiplegic CP to age-matched typically developing children (TDC). It aims to determine how differences in sensory processing may relate to motor control and balance deficits in this population.
This study investigated the associations between sensory processing abilities, postural stability, and selective voluntary motor control (SVMC) in children diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP), and compared these findings to age-matched typically developing children (TDC). Thirty children with hemiplegic CP and thirty TDC aged 6-10 years were recruited based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Children with CP were selected from the outpatient clinic at the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University. The study used validated clinical tools: the Child Sensory Profile 2 (SP2) to assess sensory processing abilities across multiple sensory systems and behavioral domains; the HUMAC balance system to evaluate postural stability through modified clinical tests of sensory integration, center of pressure testing, and limits of stability assessments; the Test of Arm Selective Control (TASC) and the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE) to evaluate upper and lower limb SVMC, respectively. All participants were assessed in a controlled clinical setting, and statistical comparisons were made between the two groups. The study also examined the correlations between sensory profile data and motor/postural outcomes. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was secured from all caregivers. The results are intended to provide insights into the interaction between sensory processing and motor control deficits in children with hemiplegia and to support clinicians in tailoring interventions based on sensory-motor integration profiles.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
60
Sensory processing abilities are evaluated using the Child Sensory Profile 2 (SP2), an 86-item caregiver questionnaire assessing six sensory systems (auditory, visual, touch, movement, body position, and oral) and three behavioral domains (conduct, social-emotional, and attentional).
Postural stability is assessed using the HUMAC Balance System, incorporating tests such as: * The Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration of Balance (mCTSIB) * Limits of Stability (LOS) at difficulty levels 4 and 6 * Center of Pressure (COP) metrics
Selective voluntary motor control is evaluated using the following tools: * Test of Arm Selective Control (TASC) for the upper extremities * Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE) for the lower extremities
outpatient clinic, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University
Giza, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
ensory Profile 2 (SP2) Total and Subscale Scores
Scores across sensory domains and behavioral responses will be compared between groups and correlated with motor outcomes.
Time frame: Single assessment session (within a 1-day visit)
HUMAC Balance Scores (COP, LOS, mCTSIB)
Quantitative balance parameters will be analyzed between groups.
Time frame: Single assessment session (within a 1-day visit)
TASC and SCALE Scores
Selective motor control scores (range 0-2 per joint movement) will be summed and analyzed.
Time frame: Single assessment session (within a 1-day visit)
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