Abstract: Objective To explore the effects of tilted seat surface on front protraction of upper limb and postural adjustment while sitting in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods From 2010 to 2014, 15 children with spastic cerebral palsy (patients group) and 15 healthy children (control group) were recruited. They were asked to reach forward sitting on the tilted seat surface with different degrees (-15°, 0°, 15° ) to test the reaction time and movement time. The contraction times of rectus abdominis and back extensors were recorded and analyzed. Results The reaction time and movement time were shorter, and the contraction rates of rectus abdominis and back extensors were lower in the degree with -15° than with 0° and 15° (P<0.001). There was no difference in reaction time between two groups (P>0.05), and the movement time was longer in the patients group than in the control group (P<0.001). The contraction rates were higher in the patients group than in the control group. Conclusion Anterior tilted seat surface may improve the front protraction function of upper limb and the postural adjustment in children with cerebral palsy.

Key words: cerebral palsy, spasm, seat surface, tilt, upper limb, protraction, postural adjustment