Understanding balance control in children with cerebral palsy on central and peripheral level: a synergistic approach using neuromechanics, brain imaging and functional assessments. (R-12293)

Worldwide, cerebral palsy (CP) is the major cause of motor disorders in children. Deficits in balance during standing and walking are crucial problems in the daily life of children with CP. Although balance deficits are increasingly recognised the past decades, the fundamental understanding of the underlying causes of poor balance remain understood, resulting in mixed results in the effects of different balance training paradigms. Centrally, a lesion in the developing brain induces negative effects down the systems underlying balance control. Although the sensory system, especially lower limb proprioception, is known to be a key factor of adequate balance control, it is relatively ignored in CP. Peripherally, prolonged physical activity can increase balance difficulties by the accumulation of muscle fatigue. Given the likelihood of muscle fatigue symptoms in CP, balance difficulties can occur as a consequence of physical exertion. Therefore, the main aim of this project is to understand both these understudied, but likely highly relevant, central and peripheral factors underlying poor balance control in children with CP by studying balance performance in relation with central nervous system dysfunctions (proprioception, brain lesion characteristics) and physical activity (muscle fatigue). The novelty of this study lies in the synergistic approach of combining neuromechanics, brain imaging and functional assessments.

Keywords:Balance control, Cerebral Palsy, Proprioception

Disciplines:Paediatrics and neonatology not elsewhere classified, Biomechanics, Motor control, Physiotherapy