postural control in strabismic children: importance of proprioceptive information

Objective
To examine the effect of proprioceptive information during postural control in strabismic children.

Methods
Postural stability was recorded with a platform (Techno Concept®) in twelve strabismic children aged from 4.9 to 10 years and data were compared to that of twelve control age-matched children. Two postural positions were performed: Romberg and Tandem. Two postural conditions: without and with foam pad. We analyzed the surface area, the length, the mean speed of the center of pressure (CoP) and the effect of proprioceptive information.

Results
Strabismic children are more instable than control age-matched children. The surface, the length and the mean speed of CoP are significantly higher in strabismic children than in control age-matched children. Both groups are more instable in Tandem position than in Romberg position. Finally, strabismic children use more proprioceptive information than control age-matched children.

Conclusion
For both Romberg and Tandem position, strabismic children are more instable than control age-matched children. Strabismic children use proprioceptive information more than control age-matched children to control their posture.

Significance
Proprioceptive inputs are important for control posture particularly for strabismic population.