Postural orientation during standing in children with bilateral cerebral palsy.

PURPOSE: To investigate postural orientation and maintenance of joint position during standing in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP). METHODS: Standing was examined with 3-D motion analysis in 26 children with BSCP, and 19 children typically developing (TD). Two groups of children with cerebral palsy (CP) were analyzed: 15 who were able to maintain standing without support and 11 who needed support. RESULTS: Children with CP stood with more flexion than children TD. In the CP groups, children standing without support stood more asymmetrically with less hip and knee flexion and less movement than those who required support. CONCLUSION: Children with CP had varying abilities to stand and maintain standing posture with or without support. Both CP groups stood with more flexion than their potential passive joint angle, more obvious in children requiring support. Investigations on how muscle strength and spatial perception influence posture remains to be explored.