Spatial and temporal analysis of postural control in dyslexic children.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to examine postural control of dyslexic children using both spatial and temporal analysis.

METHODS

Thirty dyslexic (mean age 9.7±0.3years) and thirty non-dyslexic age-matched children participated in the study. Postural stability was evaluated using Multitest Equilibre from Framiral®. Posture was recorded in the following conditions: eyes open fixating a target (EO) and eyes closed (EC) on stable (-S-) and unstable (-U-) platforms.

RESULTS

The findings of this study showed poor postural stability in dyslexic children with respect to the non-dyslexic children group, as demonstrated by both spatial and temporal analysis. In both groups of children postural control depends on the condition, and improves when the eyes are open on a stable platform. Dyslexic children have spectral power indices that are higher than in non-dyslexic children and they showed a shorter cancelling time.

CONCLUSION

Poor postural control in dyslexic children could be due to a deficit in using sensory information most likely caused by impairment in cerebellar activity.

SIGNIFICANCE: The reliability of brain activation patterns, namely in using sensory input and cerebellar activity may explain the deficit in postural control in dyslexic children.