Lower Limb Sensorimotor Training (LoSenseT) for Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Brief Report of a Feasibility Randomized Protocol

ABSTRACT

Motor disorders in cerebral palsy (CP) are often accompanied by disturbances of sensation and impaired somatosensory functions have been reported in individuals with CP. To test the feasibility of a sensorimotor training protocol for lower limbs in children and adolescents with unilateral and bilateral CP, and to analyze the preliminary effects of this training on sensory and motor variables. This is a single-blind, prospective phase I feasibility randomized protocol. A total of twenty participants with uni or bilateral cerebral palsy, GMFCS level I–III, ages 5 to 20 years will be recruited. The LoSenseT protocol is composed of tactile and proprioceptive activities in a child-friendly format. An original qualitative feedback questionnaire was developed to assess the protocol feasibility. Additionally, proprioception, tactile discrimination, postural stability, and gait parameters will be assessed. The LoSenseT protocol can support the implementation of interventions targeting lower limbs somatosensory impairments in individuals with CP.

KEYWORDS:

• Cerebral palsy
• lower limbs
• sensorimotor
• protocol
• training

Acknowledgments

This project was financially supported by Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq, grant #424010/2016-0). The authors report no conflicts of interest.