Short-term balance training with computer-based feedback in children with cerebral palsy: A feasibility and pilot randomized trial

Objective: To assess the feasibility of using short-term balance training with computer-based visual feedback (BTVF) and its effect on standing balance in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP). Methods: Out of the fourteen children with BSCP (mean age = 10.31 years), seven children received four sessions of BTVF (two such sessions/day, each session = 15 min) in comparison to the control group that received standard care. Feasibility was measured as percentages of recruitment, retention and safety and balance was measured using a posturography machine as sway velocity (m/s) and velocity moment (m/s²) during quiet standing. Results: No serious adverse events occurred in either group. There were no differences in the retention percentages and in any clinical outcome measure between both groups. Conclusion: Use of BTVF is feasible in children with BSCP but further investigation is required to estimate a dose–effect relationship.