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Physical training in children with osteogenesis imperfecta

Marco Van Brussel1, Tim Takken, Cuno S P M Uiterwaal

  • 1Department of Pediatric Physical Therapy and Exercise Physiology, University Hospital for Children and Youth Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|December 25, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Physical training significantly improved exercise capacity and muscle force in children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). While improvements diminished over time, the program demonstrated safety and effectiveness for OI patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rehabilitation
  • Bone Health Research
  • Exercise Physiology

Background:

  • Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder characterized by fragile bones.
  • Mild to moderate forms of OI can impact exercise capacity and muscle function.
  • Limited research exists on the efficacy of physical training interventions for children with OI.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effects of a 12-week graded exercise program on children with OI types I and IV.
  • To assess changes in exercise capacity, muscle force, and subjective fatigue.
  • To determine the long-term sustainability of training-induced improvements.

Main Methods:

  • Thirty-four children with OI were randomized into an exercise group or a control group.
  • Intervention involved a 12-week graded exercise program.
  • Outcomes including peak oxygen consumption, maximal working capacity, and muscle force were measured at baseline and follow-up points.

Main Results:

  • Significant improvements were observed in peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), relative VO2peak (VO2peak/kg), maximal working capacity (Wmax), and muscle force post-intervention.
  • Subjective fatigue showed a borderline statistically significant decrease.
  • Some improvements in VO2peak, VO2peak/kg, Wmax, and subjective fatigue diminished at 6 and 9-month follow-ups.

Conclusions:

  • A supervised training program is safe and effective for improving aerobic capacity and muscle force in children with OI.
  • The program also effectively reduces subjective fatigue levels.
  • While initial gains may decrease over time, the intervention shows promise for managing OI symptoms.
Abstract

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