title: Effectiveness of static weight-bearing exercises in children with cerebral palsy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Physiotherapists commonly use static weight-bearing exercises in children with cerebral palsy, which are believed to stimulate antigravity muscle strength, prevent hip dislocation, improve bone mineral density, improve self-esteem, improve feeding, assist bowel and urinary functions, reduce spasticity, and improve hand function. The effectiveness of these exercises has not been thoroughly investigated. This systematic review aimed to examine the research evidence of the effectiveness of static weight-bearing exercises in children with cerebral palsy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten studies met the inclusion criteria for this review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The evidence supporting the effectiveness of static weight-bearing exercises in children with cerebral palsy, except the findings of increased bone density and temporary reduction in spasticity, remains limited because of an inadequate number of studies undertaken, inadequate rigor of the research designs and the small number of subjects involved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinicians should carefully consider all available evidence before making a decision regarding the potential effectiveness of static weight-bearing for the targeted outcomes.
authors.affiliation: School of Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Tamis Wai-mun
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Pin
mesh_terms: D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016474:Weight-Bearing