Dual-TaskIs it Possible to Improve Static and Dynamic Postural Stability in Cerebral Palsy Children by Modulating Attention?

Within this scientific and clinical context, we hypothesize: That CP children will be less stable than healthy children (in control situation) and that the attentional cost for controlling static posture will be higher. On the basis of Olivier et al.'s work (2008) showing in adults and children aged 4 to 11 that postural control is better when attention is oriented toward a video film (i.e., decrease of the attentional demand allocated to the control of static posture), we predict that CP children will be more stable in dual task situation with visual or sound distractors than when focusing attention on postural control alone. We also predict that an additional cognitive task (adapted Stroop task), by increasing the attentional demand, will induce a deficit of postural control confirming Reilly et al.'s results (2008b). On the same basis, we will also investigate the attentional cost of locomotion. Exploratory study of dynamic equilibrium during locomotion in the same conditions. Investigation of posture in the following conditions: without attentional distractors and without additional cognitive task (control condition) with attentional visual and sound distractors (video film) with sound attentional distractor alone (sound track of the video film) with an additional cognitive task (Stroop task adapted for children). Considering the goals of this research project, no serious undesirable event is expected to occur. However, falls may occur accidentally while rising or descending from the force platform, during static posture, or during locomotion. Consequently, in addition to the experimenter, a physiotherapist or someone of the medical staff will be present during all experimental recordings. The environment will be also organized to the secure the experimental room by excluding all potentials dangerous or non necessary objects. Whenever necessary, the potentials falls will be reported and declared to the health authorities.