International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 7, Issue 3 (May-June 2025) Submit your research before last 3 days of June to publish your research paper in the issue of May-June.

Exploring the Relationship Between Lower Limb Spasticity and Postural Control Mechanisms in Children With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Neurophysiological and Functional Balance Analysis"

Author(s) Prof(Dr) Mohammed Aslam, Dr Tripti Pandey, Dr Bhawana Bohra, Dr Shriya Bhatt, Dr Manisha Singh
Country India
Abstract Abstract :
Introduction
Spasticity is a common neuromuscular impairment in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, often leading to functional limitations in balance and gross motor performance. Understanding the relationship between spasticity and these functional domains is crucial for guiding effective therapeutic interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between lower limb spasticity and both balance and gross motor function in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.
Methodology
A total of 22 children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy were selected from various cerebral palsy rehabilitation centers in Dehradun. Subjects who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this correlation study. Prior to participation, informed consent was obtained from the parents or legal guardians after explaining the purpose and procedures of the study.
All participants were assessed for:
Spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)
Balance using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS)
Gross motor function using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)
The data collected were statistically analyzed to determine the relationship between spasticity and balance, as well as between spasticity and gross motor function.
Results
The results demonstrated that:
The mean spasticity of the knee flexors in both lower limbs had a fair negative correlation with the Pediatric Balance Scale (r = -0.433).
The mean spasticity of the plantar flexors showed a stronger negative correlation with the Pediatric Balance Scale (r = -0.616), indicating a greater influence on balance.
A moderate negative correlation was found between the average MAS scores of both limbs and the GMFM scores, suggesting that higher spasticity is associated with poorer gross motor function.
Discussion
The findings indicate that increased spasticity, particularly in the plantar flexors, adversely affects balance more significantly than spasticity in the knee flexors. Moreover, the moderate correlation between overall lower limb spasticity and GMFM scores supports the notion that spasticity limits functional mobility. These results align with the hypothesis that neuromuscular impairments such as spasticity can influence postural control and motor performance in a biomechanically predictable manner.
Conclusion
This study concludes that lower limb spasticity, especially in the plantar flexors, has a negative impact on balance and gross motor function in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Early assessment and targeted management of spasticity are essential for improving functional outcomes in this population.
Keywords
Spasticity, Gross Motor Function, Pediatric Balance Scale, Cerebral Palsy, Functional Performance.
Keywords Spasticity, Gross Motor Function, Pediatric Balance Scale, Cerebral Palsy, Functional Performance.
Field Medical / Pharmacy
Published In Volume 7, Issue 3, May-June 2025
Published On 2025-06-04
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i03.46898
Short DOI https://doi.org/g9m7j2

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