One of the major challenges of motor control is understanding how the central nervous system controls the degrees of freedom of the human body. Postural control of the trunk is essential for all other motor tasks. This foundational motor task is typically accomplished by 9 to 10 months of age when infants are able to sit independently. From that age on the spine is so well controlled that it is acceptable in posture control research to consider the trunk as one segment. Surprisingly little is known about how infants learn to control multiple segments of the spine. In this proposal, a novel approach allows evaluation of limited segments of the spine allowing measurement of upright postural control prior to the development of independent sitting. I will evaluate development of spinal control in a longitudinal study of infants from 3 months to 9 months of age and compare EMG and kinematic data from this group with data obtained from children with cerebral palsy who have been unable to achieve independent sitting balance. This knowledge will allow clinicians to develop new methods of training and evaluation and new types of supportive devices. The technique will also enhance the potential for research on development of motor control of the trunk. ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31NS056726-03
Application #
7495543
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F10-H (21))
Program Officer
Chen, Daofen
Project Start
2006-09-15
Project End
2009-09-14
Budget Start
2008-09-15
Budget End
2009-09-14
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$34,626
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Oregon
Department
Other Basic Sciences
Type
Organized Research Units
DUNS #
948117312
City
Eugene
State
OR
Country
United States
Zip Code
97403
Saavedra, Sandra L; Woollacott, Marjorie H (2015) Segmental Contributions to Trunk Control in Children With Moderate-to-Severe Cerebral Palsy. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 96:1088-97
Saavedra, Sandra L; van Donkelaar, Paul; Woollacott, Marjorie H (2012) Learning about gravity: segmental assessment of upright control as infants develop independent sitting. J Neurophysiol 108:2215-29
Saavedra, Sandra; Woollacott, Marjorie; van Donkelaar, Paul (2010) Head stability during quiet sitting in children with cerebral palsy: effect of vision and trunk support. Exp Brain Res 201:13-23
Butler, Penelope B; Saavedra, Sandy; Sofranac, Madeline et al. (2010) Refinement, reliability, and validity of the segmental assessment of trunk control. Pediatr Phys Ther 22:246-57