Changes in endurance and walking ability through functional physical training in children with cerebral palsy.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the feasibility and effect of a functional physical training program on aerobic endurance and walking ability of children with cerebral palsy.


METHODS
Thirteen children (8-13 years, Gross Motor Function Classification System level I or II, with normal intelligence or mild retardation) participated in this study. A functional physical training program addressing aerobic endurance, walking distance, walking velocity, and ambulation, consisted of a circuit with 4 stations and lasted 30 minutes twice weekly for 9 weeks. The Bruce, 6-minute-run test, Timed Up and Down Stairs Test, and Ambulation Questionnaire were administered 2 weeks before the start, immediately after, and 11 weeks after the intervention.


RESULTS
Significant improvement in aerobic endurance, walking distance, and ambulation were observed immediately after the intervention. Maximum treadmill time had improved significantly at 11 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
A functional physical training improves the aerobic endurance and the functional walking ability of children with cerebral palsy.
Gorter
Hetty
H
Roessingh Rehabilitation Centre Enschede, Enschede, The Netherlands. h.gorter@roessingh.nl
Holty
Lian
L
Rameckers
Eugène E A
EE
Elvers
Hans J W H
HJ
Oostendorp
Rob A B
RA
D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*