The effects of neuromotor conditions of cerebral palsy on haptic sense during postural control tasks

• Grant number: 12/16644-1
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Effective date (Start): May 01, 2013
• Effective date (End): August 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Eliane Mauerberg de Castro
• Grantee: Thaís Delamuta Ayres da Costa
• Home Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Rio Claro. Rio Claro , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The atypical motor development in cerebral palsy cause many complex motor disorders, including deficits in postural control. An efficient postural control relies on muscle and joint functional activity, as well as on efficiency of sensory systems (the visual, vestibular and somatosensory). In addition, haptic system cues also influence the control of posture. During postural control tasks, the haptic system uses tactile exploration of a surface characteristic to help spatial position of the entire body. Several studies emphasized the contributions of haptic input to postural control coming from exploitation of non-rigid and rigid handed tools. Among non-rigid tools we illustrate the effects of an anchor system, proposed by Mauerberg-deCastro (2004), on the maintenance of stability via haptic information - gathered via flexible cables attached to loads in contact with the floor. The use of an anchor system demonstrates its effectiveness in stabilizing posture for several groups such as, young adults, children, older individuals, and intellectually disabled. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze how individuals with cerebral palsy control their posture while using an anchor system. Thirty individuals with cerebral palsy (spastic, and choreoathetosis) will be required to stand on a force platform in the following conditions: 1) holding anchors (load cells) with full vision, 2) holding anchors (load cells) without vision, 3) without the anchors with full vision, 4) without the anchors and without vision. Each condition will last 30 seconds and will be repeated three times.Key words: Postural control. Cerebral palsy. Haptic system. Anchor system.