Effect of Foot Posture on Limits of Stability in Children With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological condition that affects musculoskeletal system causing altered balance control, which is governed by constant adjustments by muscular activity and joint positioning. Since the foot is the platform upon which we stand and balance, it is important to study and characterize foot posture abnormalities in CP to better understand their possible effect on multidirectional limits of stability (MDLS) in standing. Our aim was to find relation between foot posture and MDLS in diplegic children. Thirty diplegics (13 pes-planus and 17 pes-cavus) between the age of 6 to 14, gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) levels I and II, whose parents consented were included in this study. Diplegics unable to stand unsupported for < 2 minutes, undergone lower-limb surgeries in 6 months, having visual impairments were excluded. Foot posture was assessed with arch index, MDLS were measured by GEAMASTER stabilometer. There was significant positive correlation between foot posture and limits of stability. Diplegic children having pes-planus have better MDLS as compared with pes-cavus.