title: Physical fitness and exercise training on individuals with spina bifida: a systematic review.
abstract: Spina Bifida (SB) is characterized by several physical impairments; however, data on physical fitness and on the benefits of exercise training in individuals with SB are dispersed in the literature. Thus, this systematic review aimed to describe (i) physical fitness components (cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle strength, body composition, flexibility and neuromotor) and (ii) exercise training effects on the physical fitness of individuals with SB. CINAHL, MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from January to March 2013 and updated in December 2013. Twenty-three studies were included. A summary of the results was performed using a best-evidence synthesis. Participants with SB had lower cardiorespiratory endurance (-32 to 54% in VO2 peak) and muscle strength (-58 to 90%) and higher body fat (159%) than their healthy peers. Mobility restrictions were present in 26.3-61% of participants. No data on neuromotor fitness were found. Aerobic and strength training improved participants' cardiorespiratory endurance (effect sizes 0.78-1.4) and muscle strength (effect sizes 0-0.59). Individuals with SB have impaired cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle strength, body composition and flexibility when compared to healthy peers. Exercise training seems to improve two of these fitness components (cardiorespiratory endurance and muscle strength). Nevertheless, the heterogeneity of the studies' designs, methods and instruments used limits the establishment of firm conclusions and highlights the need for further research.
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro (ESSUA), 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal. Electronic address: alao@ua.pt.
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro (ESSUA), 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal. Electronic address: cristinajacome@ua.pt.
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jácome
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro (ESSUA), 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Unidade de Investigação e Formação sobre Adultos e Idosos (UniFAI), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal. Electronic address: amarques@ua.pt.
authors.forename: Alda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marques
mesh_terms: D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D006801:Humans; D053580:Muscle Strength; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010807:Physical Endurance; D010809:Physical Fitness; D055070:Resistance Training; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Exercise training; Physical fitness; Spina Bifida