Consensus definition and assessment of trunk control in children and adolescents with neurological conditions

This study brought together 26 experts to agree on what ‘trunk control’ means for children with neurological conditions like cerebral palsy, stroke, and brain injuries. Trunk control means being able to move your trunk on purpose, like twisting to look behind you, keeping your trunk steady when sitting or walking, and quickly regaining balance if you get bumped or lose your balance. It also means being able to move one part of your trunk without moving other parts you want to keep still. Why does this matter? Trunk control is needed for many daily life activities, like taking care of yourself and walking on your own. However, there has been no single agreed-upon definition or comprehensive method for measuring trunk control in people with various levels of ability. The experts took part in three rounds of surveys and reached strong agreement (96%) on a definition of trunk control. They also identified 37 specific tasks to assess trunk control. Most of these tasks are done while sitting, some while lying down, and some while standing. The group also listed 13 key requirements for technology that could help make these assessments more objective and easier to use in clinical settings. This work creates a starting point for more accurate and standardized ways to assess trunk control. Such a new assessment could help track progress over time and guide treatment decisions. This is important not just for therapists but also for children with trunk control problems and their families. The study also points out that current tools do not cover all children, especially those who cannot sit without support or are very young.