Evaluation of Postural Control in Children Using Tetra Axial Posturography

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Tetra-ataxiametric posturography is based on the measurement and computerized elaboration of electronic signals emitted by four footplates, one for each heel and toe, respectively. These are sensitive to vertical pressure produced by a subject standing straight but in various positions (feet parallel, in tandem, eyes closed, on pads, etc.). The method yields additional parameters not obtained by the traditional monoplate stabilometers, namely, weight-distribution patterns and correlation among six combinations of paired outputs from the two heels, two toes, heel/toe of each foot, and the two diagonals (tetra-ataxiametric synchronizations). Comparing age-matched learning disabled, mentally retarded, autistic, and hearing impaired (with and without labyrinthine hypofunction) with normal children, significant and clinically meaningful differences were detected between the Tetra-ataxiametric measures of stability, interaction between Fourier Spectral Power Ranges of body sway, weight distributions, and synchronizations of toe parts. The same parameters correlated significantly with cognitive school readiness in normal populations. While the stability and spectral quotients show significant developmental changes, weight distribution and toe synchronisations are stable from 5 years onwards. The method is suitable for young subjects and attractive to children who may ordinarily be reluctant to cooperate, such as the autistic ones. The equipment is portable and tests can be conveniently carried out in a child's familiar educational setting.

Detailed Description
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Recently a new pediatric software was introduced for the TETRAX device. The goal of the present study is to create normative data for children starting at preschool age using the newly developed software. Four hundred and 80 children between the ages of 5 and 12 years old will be examined following informed consent from the children and their legal guardian.

Official Title
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Evaluation of Postural Control in Children Using Tetra Axial Posturography

Conditions
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Normal Children

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Evaluation of postural control


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: age 5-12 years healthy Exclusion Criteria: children with known disturbances in bone, muscle of nervous systems children using medications that may cause problems in balance or coordination

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 5 Years
Maximum Age: 12 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Screening
Allocation: Non-Randomized
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| No Intervention: normal children<br>Normal children ages 5-12 years. | Other: Evaluation of postural control<br>* Children will be measured once using a Tetra-aximetric posturography method<br>|
| Experimental: postural control<br> | Other: Evaluation of postural control<br>* Children will be measured once using a Tetra-aximetric posturography method<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Creation of normal baseline data |  | one year | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| evaluation of a new analysis software |  | one year | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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tetra-axiametric posturography, postural control, tetrax, children