Abstract

The aim of the study was to demonstrate that posture quality influences psychomotor development among children with cerebral palsy. Materials and method: The study involved 33 children (16 girls, 17 boys) aged 1–18 years diagnosed with cerebral palsy who attended Special School Complex No. 103, the Wielkopolska Outpatient Clinic of Neurology, Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics and Traumatology in Teaching Hospital No. 4, and Bartek Rehabilitation Center in Poznań. The children were assessed in late 2007/early 2008 according to a standardised examination protocol. The results were analysed with Statistica 7.1 software.Results:1. There was a clear correlation between cervical spine position in the frontal plane and the ability to lift the head (p=.035). 2. There was a significant correlation between the presence of a deviation of the lumbar spine in the frontal plane and the ability to lift the head in a proper manner (p=,035). 3. Shoulder protraction influenced inappropriate forearm support patterns in a non-significant manner. Conclusions:1. The postural parameters that significantly influence the development of motor function are the position of the cervical and lumbar spine in the frontal plane. 2. Spinal shape influences the motor ability of children with cerebral palsy.

Key words:

body posture, motor activity, cerebral palsy