Estrategias de control postural en un niño con parálisis cerebral severamente comprometido. Estudio de caso

Abstract

Background and objectivesPostural control is a dynamic process that allows individuals to maintain a stable position while interacting with task and environment. The postural control of the child with cerebral palsy is affected. This study's objective was to describe the motor patterns and postural control strategies used by a severely compromised child with dyskinetic CP when trying to perform a simple motor task. Materials and methodsA 9-year-old boy with a medical diagnosis of CP; he is in a wheelchair and presents an inability to control posture in a sitting position and functional movement of his upper limbs. The proposed motor task consisted of trying to press two switches that operated a LEGO® robot in response to the therapist's recommendations. The activity was carried out for 15 minutes once a week, for eight weeks. ResultsThe child was able to find movement patterns and postural control strategies that allowed him to perform the motor task efficiently. The child attended all scheduled sessions and no adverse events occurred. ConclusionsAttention, visual feedback, speed of movement and displacement of centre of gravity were some of the movement patterns and postural control strategies used to successfully perform the motor task. The proposal of a motor activity according to the disability condition, can encourage motivation and persistence in its performance.