Comparison of the Sensory Integration of Balance in School Going Fullterm and Preterm Children Aged 7–10 Years

Postural behavior in preterm children after maturation of motor responses at 7 years of age is yet to be explored. The study was intended to assess and compare the sensory integration of balance in school going preterm and fullterm children in the 8^th, 9^th and 10^th year of life.

Official permission was obtained from the local schools. Questionnaires and information forms were submitted to parents. Children were selected after screening the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Age and gender-wise matched fullterm and preterm children were assessed and compared for strategies of balance (Ankle, Hip, Suspensory and stepping) using Pediatric Clinical Test of sensory integration for balance test (P-CTSIB)

The comparison was done using the 4 conditions:

1. Eyes open, feet together on floor; 2. Eyes closed, feet together on floor;

3. Eyes open feet together on foam; 4. Eyes closed feet together on foam.

There was no significant difference in performance for all three age groups in condition 1. In Conditions 2 and 3, p < 0.05; significant difference in performance of preterm children at the 8^th and 9^th year of life compared to the fullterm counterparts was noted; with p> 0.05 in the 10^th year of life. In condition 4, p < 0.05 for 8^th year of life suggesting a difference in performance and no significant difference in the 9^th and 10^th year of life.

The intergroup comparison of the strategies was done using the Pearson Chi-Square test. The p < 0.05 with a significant difference and an overuse of compensatory strategies noted in the preterm age group for conditions 1 and 2. In conditions 3 and 4, p>0.05 indicating no significant difference in the strategies used between the preterm and fullterm children in all three age groups.

Preterm children were poorer in resolving inter-sensory conflicts than their fullterm counterparts in the 8^th and 9^th year of life; with equivalent performance noted in the two groups at 10^th year of life. There was a significant difference in the movement strategies used by the two groups for inter-sensory conflict resolution on the firm surface with no difference noted on the foam. The study will aid in identifying the early clumsy behavior noted in preterm children to incorporate physical therapy specific to balance as early intervention in schools.