Your Therapy Source Magazine for Pediatric Therapists | Page 12

Trunk Control, Gross Motor Function and Cerebral Palsy

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology published
research on the relationship between segmental control of
the trunk and the corresponding gross motor function in 92
children with cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function
Classification Levels I to V). Each participant was assessed
with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), the
Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), and the
Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo).
Statistical analysis showed the following:
1. a positive relationship between the segmental level of trunk control and age, with both
gross motor function and mobility.
2. segmental trunk control measured using the SATCo could explain between 38% and 40%
of variation in GMFM and between 32% and 37% of variation in PEDI.
The researchers concluded that the strong association between segmental trunk postural
control and gross motor function and mobility has significant clinical implications for the
treatment of children with CP.
If you want more information on the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo) you
can view it here http://www.the-movement-centre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/SATCoForm-and-instructions.pdf
Reference: Curtis, D. J., Butler, P., Saavedra, S., Bencke, J., Kallemose, T., Sonne-Holm, S.
and Woollacott, M. (2014), The central role of trunk control in the gross motor function of
children with cerebral palsy: a retrospective cross-sectional study. Developmental Medicine &
Child Neurology. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.12641

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