Sensory Processing, Postural Stability, and Selective Motor Control in Children With Hemiplegia (HeSPoM)

Cairo University (CU)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Sensory Processing Disorder; Postural Balance; Cerebral Palsy, Hemiplegic; Motor Skills Disorders

Treatments: Other: Child Sensory Profile 2 (SP2) for Sensory processing abilities; Other: HUMAC Balance System for Postural stability evaluation; Other: Selective Motor Control Evaluation for the upper and lower extremities

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06989034

P.T.REC/012/004244

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full description

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.

Enrollment: 60 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 6 to 10 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy
• Age between 6 and 10 years
• GMFCS levels I or II
• Modified Ashworth Scale score of 1 or 1+ (mild spasticity)
• Ability to follow simple instructions
• Caregiver with sufficient English language proficiency

Exclusion criteria

• Botulinum toxin injections within the past 6 months
• Visual or auditory impairments
• Orthopedic or neurosurgical intervention to limbs or spine
• Musculoskeletal deformities
• History of seizures

Trial design

60 participants in 2 patient groups

The hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) group

Description:

The hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) group consists of 30 children diagnosed with spastic hemiplegic CP, a type of CP characterized by motor impairment predominantly on one side of the body. These children were aged between 6 and 10 years and had GMFCS levels I or II, indicating mild to moderate functional limitations. They exhibited mild spasticity, as indicated by Modified Ashworth Scale scores of 1 or 1+, and were able to follow simple instructions. The hemiplegic CP group was included to investigate sensory processing, postural stability, and selective voluntary motor control (SVMC) impairments associated with spastic hemiplegia.

Treatment:

Other: Selective Motor Control Evaluation for the upper and lower extremities

Other: HUMAC Balance System for Postural stability evaluation

Other: Child Sensory Profile 2 (SP2) for Sensory processing abilities

typically developing children (TDC) group

Description:

The control group consisted of 30 typically developing children (TDC) who were matched to the hemiplegic CP group based on age and sex. The control group served as a comparison to the CP group, allowing for the evaluation of typical sensory processing, postural stability, and selective voluntary motor control patterns in children without any clinical motor impairments. The children in the control group were expected to perform within typical developmental ranges for sensory and motor function, providing a baseline for assessing the motor and sensory processing deficits in the hemiplegic CP group.

Treatment:

Other: Selective Motor Control Evaluation for the upper and lower extremities

Other: HUMAC Balance System for Postural stability evaluation

Other: Child Sensory Profile 2 (SP2) for Sensory processing abilities