Monitoring Expression of Balance during Therapy in Children with Postural Disorders

In the literature, we find information about the impact of changes in the shape of the spine on the efficiency of equivalent reactions, and we also find information about the methods and effects of physiotherapy in improving equivalent reactions. However, there is a lack of publications showing the process of changes taking place over time and defining their nature at individual stages of treatment. The aim of this study is to present the process of monitoring the expression of balance in patients aged 8–12 years with postural disorders, in the course of the therapeutic process. The shape of the spine and the efficiency of equilibrium reactions in standing posture and during gait were assessed in all the subjects. The subjects were put into two groups: with a shape-of-spine disorder and without one. The recommended set of therapeutic activities in home conditions lasted about 20 min and was performed by the child with a parent’s supervision. The therapeutic program was based on elements of neurophysiological methods: Vojta and PNF. The following parameters were measured: the maximum movement of the center of pressure (CoP) in the frontal plane during gait, the maximum movement of the CoP in the sagittal plane, the movement of the CoP in the frontal plane in static conditions and the movement of the CoP in the sagittal plane in static conditions. Six statistically significant differences were recorded, and all of them were related to measurement I. The Friedman test result was statistically significant for all the indexes. Post hoc analyses were performed using the Dunn–Bonferroni test. The children with shape-of-spine disorders had a lower efficiency of equivalent reactions in relation to the children without disorders. The therapy with the application of neurophysiological methods in the treatment of shape-of-spine disorders improved equilibrium reactions in these patients. Long-lasting and thorough observations of the therapeutic process in children with shape-of-spine disorders should include the monitoring of the efficiency of equilibrium reactions.