Your Therapy Source Magazine for Pediatric Therapists April 2016 | Page 4

Functional Tasks, Postural Control and CP

Physical Therapy published research examining postural control during a functional play
activity. Previous research has indicated that when motor tasks are made more relevant
through functional tasks, performance improves, including in children with movement
pathology.
The participants in the study included 30 children with cerebral palsy who were compared with
30 typically developing children during a single measurement period. Postural sway was
quantified using a portable force platform system during a precision manual functional play task
and a baseline condition of no task. Postural sway variability and postural sway regularity
were analyzed. The results indicated the following:
an apparent difference in postural control (greater irregularity, greater sway variability) during
quiet stance between children with CP and peers with typical development
this difference was reduced during the performance of the precision functional play task.
The researchers concluded that the postural control system is flexible and adaptable even with
the pathological features associated with cerebral palsy.
Reference: Schmit, J. M., Riley, M., Cummins-Sebree, S., Schmitt, L., & Shockley, K.
(2016).Functional Task Constraints Foster Enhanced Postural Control in Children With
Cerebral Palsy. Physical Therapy, 96(3), 348-354. Accessed March 03, 2016.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20140425.
Check out Play Strong: Activities to Promote Muscle Strengthening in Children Through
Play. This is a collection of 40+ activities that promote muscle strengthening in children. This
is an excellent resource for pediatric therapists, parents and physical educators. Find