Effects of a cognitive-motor dual task complexity during sit-to-stand activity in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

High biomechanical demand tasks such as postural transfer sit to stand (STS), are fundamental to functionality. However, when the STS movement is associated with a cognitive task, different motor strategies may be necessary for an effective execution, mainly in children with neuromotor dysfunctions. Thus, in order to elaborated interventions successfully, it is necessary to understand how these disabilities interfere in the functional capacity, and in the execution of concomitant tasks. Therefore, the present study aims to verify the effect of the cognitive-motor dual task on postural control during STS movement in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Methodology: Children with a medical diagnosis of spastic hemiparetic CP and a group of typical children, aged between 5 and 12 years, of both genres, will participate in this study. They will be placed on a bench, with knees, ankles and hips at 90°. The STS movement will be performed under two conditions: Simple Task, which consists of reaching an orthostatic position with the arms crossed in the chest; and Cognitive Task, which is the STS movement accompanied by cognitive activity. The performance of the postural control will be analyzed by a force platform (BERTEC 400). The results obtained will be measured by the mean and standard deviation, and will be evaluated through the tests accordingly to the normality of their distribution. A significance level of 5% (P <0.05) will be adopted. Through the results of this study, it will be possible to obtain a better understanding about this task realization, and be able to insert it during the therapeutic process and in the parental orientations.