Investigating the Effects of Vestibular Stimulation on Balance Performance in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study

Background: Centre of pressure displacement is an indicator of postural control. Children with cerebral palsy have poor postural control. One common intervention to enhance their balance is vestibular stimulation. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of vestibular stimulation on COP parameters in children with cerebral palsy (3-10 years old). Methods: This study was a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial. Twenty children with cerebral palsy received vestibular stimulation, two sessions per week with a course of twelve sessions, based on vestibular stimulation protocol including anteroposterior, lateral, ascending–descending movements and spinning. One cerebral palsy group experienced current and conventional occupational therapy while the other received a period of vestibular stimulation during treatment. Force plate outcome measures were center of pressure displacement parameters as well as velocity, area, displacement in X and Y axes. Results: According to Mann-Whitney U test, means in post-tests in two groups with both conditions of eyes open and closed were significant in velocity parameter (eyes open P=0.036; eyes closed P=0.021) while Area parameter, COP displacement in X axis (Rang fore after), COP displacement in Y axis (Rang side way) were not significant (P>0.05). Wilcoxon Test showed significant difference in the velocity parameter; eyes open (P=0.012) and eyes closed (P=0.018). Conclusion: Children who received vestibular stimulation are able to change and control COP displacement faster (according to changes in velocity parameters). So we suggest rehabilitation team members especially occupational therapist to apply vestibular stimulation during their treatment.