Effect of Disturbed Attention-Demanding Tasks on Balance in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: Cross-Sectional Study

doi:10.21608/ejhm.2025.445976

Effect of Disturbed Attention-Demanding Tasks on Balance in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: Cross-Sectional Study

Document Type : Original Article

10.21608/ejhm.2025.445976

Abstract

Background: Spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (SDCP) children have frequently impaired postural control and cognitive functions, particularly attention. These impairments can considerably influence their daily functioning, mobility, and quality of life. Understanding the association between attention and balance in this population may contribute to better-targeted rehabilitation strategies.
Aim of study: This study aimed to explore the association between attention and balance performance in SDCP children.
Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional correlational study involved diagnosed children with SDCP, aged between 8 and 12 years. Balance was evaluated by the Biodex Balance System (BBS), focusing on the Overall Stability Index (OSI), antero/posterior (AP), and medio/lateral (ML) stability indices. Attention was evaluated using a standardized attention assessment tool appropriate for the children’s age and cognitive level. To investigate the association between balance and attention scores, statistical analysis was done utilizing the Pearson's correlation coefficient (with p < 0.05 is significant). Results: The results indicated a significant negative correlation between attention scores and balance indices, indicating that children with better attention had superior balance control. The strongest correlation was observed between attention and the OSI. Conclusion: A significant relationship between attention and balance was detected in SDCP children. These findings suggest that incorporating cognitive components such as attention training into physical rehabilitation programs may enhance balance performance in this population.

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