Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo)
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Objective[edit | edit source]
The objective of the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo) is to provide a detailed assessment of trunk control, identifying:
- The highest segmental level at which intervention must be targeted.[1]
- And the optimal level of support needed by the individual.[2] [3]
It is an assessment tool and outcome measure which provides a "close definition of the level at which trunk control difficulties present and leads to a 'level by level' treatment to the development of trunk control" (Butler et al, 2010). [1][4]
The development of the SATCo has been specifically designed as part of the Targeted Training (TT) approach. TT itself is a therapeutic strategy developed by Penny Butler and Richard Major to improve the functional abilities of children with problems of movement control through improving control of upright posture.[3]
Intended Population[edit | edit source]
SATCo has initially been developed for infants and children with neuromotor developmental impairments.[5]
Children as young as 4 months have been included in studies using the SATCo. and there has been no maximum age given to which this test can be given.
Method of Use[edit | edit source]
SATCo is performed in the clinical setting or at home.
It examines postural control in a sitting position by a gradual reduction of support and under three different conditions.
The three conditions are:
- Static control - Maintaining a neutral vertical posture with no movement.
- Active control - Maintaining a neutral vertical posture with voluntary head movements or arm movements.
- Reactive control - A recovery of the neutral vertical posture after a disturbance of balance caused by a nudge.
The support is provided at six distinct levels, moving cephalo-caudally, starting at the shoulder girdle and ending without any support given.
These levels are:
| Anatomical level | Manual support |
|---|---|
| C7 | Shoulders |
| T1-3 | Axillae |
| T3-7 | Inferior scapulae |
| T7-T11 | Lower ribs |
| T12-L3 | Below ribs |
| L4-S5 | Pelvis |
Basic set-up[edit | edit source]
The child wears only a nappy or shorts as the trunk need to be clearly observed.
A minimum of two testers are required:
- One to support the trunk
- Another to a) monitor the child's posture b)monitor the child's hand and arm position and c) provide nudges for the reactive component of SATCo.
Child's position:
- Seated on a bench. Pelvis is stabilised by support system. Feet supported (age dependent).
- Head is central with eyes looking forward. The chin is neither protracted or retracted.
- Shoulder girdle is neither protracted nor retracted.
- Hands and arms are free from contact with own body or any external support.
- Spinal profile should be normal for age with no joints at end of range.
- Pelvis in neutral.
- Hip and knee angles both at 90°
- Feet supported if age appropriate.
Important to remember: The head and body is to be kept in a neutral vertical posture both above and below manual support provided.
Reference
[edit | edit source]
Evidence[edit | edit source]
Reliability[edit | edit source]
Validity[edit | edit source]
Responsiveness[edit | edit source]
Miscellaneous[edit | edit source]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLzx1e2IQeQ accessed 22nd April
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMS4C6eDg6Y
Links[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Butler P, Saavedra MS, Sofranac MM, Jarvis MS, Woollacott M. Refinement, reliability and validity of the segmental assessment of trunk control (SATCo). Pediatric physical therapy: the official publication of the Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association. 2010;22(3):246.
- ↑ Vialu C. SeekFreeks. 2 Free Tests for Adaptive Equipment Selection and Implementation. Available from: https://www.seekfreaks.com/index.php/2019/07/25/2-free-tests-for-adaptive-equipment-selection-and-implementation/ (accessed: 25 April 2023).
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 OPTIMI Targeted Training. History of Targeted Training. Availilable from: https://optimi.org.uk/about-us/ (accessed: 26 April 2023).
- ↑ Leckley. SATCo Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control. Lisburn: Leckley.com
- ↑ Pin TW, Butler PB, Cheung HM, Shum SL. Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control in infants from 4 to 9 months of age-a psychometric study. BMC pediatrics. 2018 Dec;18:1-8.
