Static balance refers to the ability to maintain a stable posture while stationary, such as standing still, and is often impaired in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) due to spasticity, muscle weakness, and sensory processing issues.
## Causes of Impairment
CP disrupts postural control through muscle imbalances (e.g., spastic agonists and weak antagonists), poor intersensory integration (like combining visual and somatosensory inputs), and involuntary movements in types like athetosis or ataxia. Children with spastic diplegia, for instance, struggle more when somatosensory input is unreliable, such as on compliant surfaces.
## Assessment Methods
Static balance is commonly measured using force platforms to track center-of-pressure (COP) sway in anteroposterior and mediolateral directions, often under varied conditions like eyes open-closed or fixed-compliant support. Tools like the Medicapteurs Fusyo platform or video-based software analyze parameters such as sway velocity and displacement, showing good reliability
## Interventions
Physical therapy post-botulinum toxin A (BT-A) injections, combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on muscles like the tibialis anterior, improves COP oscillations more than therapy alone. Exercises on Swiss balls or equine-assisted therapy also enhance static balance by addressing tone and control.
