Comparison of simultaneous static standing balance data on a pressure mat and force plate in typical children and in children with cerebral palsy

Background: Balance testing is an important component in treatment planning and outcome assessment for children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Objective measurement for static standing balance is typically conducted in motion labs utilizing force plates; however, a plantar pressure mat may prove to be a viable alternative for this type of balance assessment.

Methods: This study examined static standing balance simultaneously on a force plate and a plantar pressure mat in 30 typically developing (TD) and 30 children with CP to determine if valid measures of static standing balance could be obtained in children with CP using a pressure mat.

Results: Examination of the data provided evidence that reliable and valid measures of static standing balance can be produced with a plantar pressure mat for both groups. Five variables out of the 21 variables examined were found to be reliable and valid on both devices (pressure mat and force plate) for both subgroups (TD and CP). The variables medial/lateral (ML) average radial displacement, range moved-ML, anterior/posterior average velocity, ellipse area, and area per second were found to have high test-retest reliability (ICC > .6) and possess discriminant validity between the subgroups (TD vs. CP). Additionally, the ellipse area and area per second variables also had the ability to discriminate between GMFCS levels. A normative center of pressure (CoP) balance data set using all 21 variables was also established for typically developing children for both devices (pressure mat and force plate) within this study.

Significance: The ability to utilize a portable plantar pressure mat for quick and reliable standing balance measurement allows for expanded ability to capture objective data in a variety of settings thereby increasing opportunity for outcomes analysis.