Trunk Control, Gross Motor Function and Cerebral Palsy

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology published research on the relationship between segmental control of the trunk and the corresponding gross motor function in 92 children with cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification Levels I to V).  Each participant was assessed with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), and the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo).

Statistical analysis showed the following:

1.  a positive relationship between the segmental level of trunk control and age, with both gross motor function and mobility.

2.  segmental trunk control measured using the SATCo could explain between 38% and 40% of variation in GMFM and between 32% and 37% of variation in PEDI.

The researchers concluded that the strong association between segmental trunk postural control and gross motor function and mobility has significant clinical implications for the treatment of children with CP.

If you want more information on the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo) you can view it here http://www.the-movement-centre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/SATCo-Form-and-instructions.pdf

Reference:  Curtis, D. J., Butler, P., Saavedra, S., Bencke, J., Kallemose, T., Sonne-Holm, S. and Woollacott, M. (2014), The central role of trunk control in the gross motor function of children with cerebral palsy: a retrospective cross-sectional study. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.12641

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