Objective
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Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control – SATCo
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Purpose
Measures levels of trunk control in targeted therapy training.
Also useful for goal setting and as an outcome measure.
From 4 months
Assesment Type
Patient Group
Cerebral Palsy | Neurodisability (Other) | Neuromuscular
Age Group
Infants (0-2 years) | Children (3-12 years) | Adolescents (13-17 years) | Young Adult (18+ years)
ICF domain
Body Structure & Function
Area of assessment
Balance and co-ordination | Gross Motor | Joints and muscles
Key description
Description
The SATCo tests the child’s full trunk control as the level of trunk support is gradually reduced across 7 levels.
Head control
Upper, mid and lower thoracic
Upper and lower lumbar
No support.
Static, active and reactive control is noted.
Reliability / validity
Reliable and valid.
Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control – SATCo:
Tests & Measures: A Resource for Pediatric Physical Therapy Practitioners / Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo)
https://blogs.elon.edu/ptkids/2017/03/02/segmental-assessment-of-trunk-control-satco/
Strengths / weaknesses
Good specificity with a broad range of children including severe motor and cognitive impairments.
Recommended use of SATco therapy bench as gold standard
Cost
Free
Equipment required
Couch/therapy bench plus 2 people
Recommended video recording of the assessment.
Training required
N/A
Considerations & references
Cost
Free, however recommend use of therapy bench:
Leckey | Therapy Bench with Activity Cradle
Hip, Thoracic and Knee Support for Therapy Bench
https://www.leckey.com/products/therapy-bench
https://www.leckey.com/media/3260/satco-clinical-workbook.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5977503/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2927393/
Time to complete
Depending on the complexities of the child.
Comments
Available in Brazilian and Portuguese
If you spot any errors or wish to suggest any amendments to this summary, please contact paediatricmeasures@apcp.org.uk