Assessment of Postural Control in Children with Movement Disorders by Means of a New Technological Tool: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Considering the variability and heterogeneity of motor impairment in children with Movement Disorders (MDs), the assessment of postural control becomes essential. For its assessment, only a few tools objectively quantify and recognize the difference among children with MDs. In this study, we use the Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS) for assessing the postural control in children with MD. Furthermore, 16 children (mean age 10.68 ± 3.62 years, range 4.29–18.22 years) were tested with VRRS by using a stabilometric balance platform. Postural parameters, related to the movements of the Centre of Pressure (COP), were collected and analyzed. Three different MD groups were identified according to the prevalent MD: dystonia, chorea and chorea–dystonia. Statistical analyses tested the differences among MD groups in the VRRS-derived COP variables. The mean distance, root mean square, excursion, velocity and frequency values of the dystonia group showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the chorea group and the chorea–dystonia group. Technology provides quantitative data to support clinical assessment: in this case, the VRRS detected differences among the MD patterns, identifying specific group features. This tool could be useful also for monitoring the longitudinal trajectories and detecting post-treatment changes.