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Published on: June 5, 2019
Effects of aquatic aerobic exercise for a child with cerebral palsy: single-subject design
Runzun Retarekar1, Maria A Fragala-Pinkham, Elise L Townsend
1Outpatient Physical Therapy, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Insights
Aquatic aerobic exercise improved function and walking in a child with cerebral palsy. This study highlights the benefits of water-based exercise for pediatric motor disorders.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Aquatic therapy
- Neuromotor rehabilitation
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common childhood motor disorder.
- Aquatic therapy offers a low-impact environment for exercise.
- Evidence for aquatic aerobic exercise in pediatric CP is limited.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old female with spastic diplegia (Gross Motor Function Classification System Level III) participated.
- A 12-week aquatic aerobic exercise program was implemented 3 times weekly.
- Intensity was monitored using heart rate reserve (50%-80%).
Findings:
- Significant improvements were observed in participation and activity levels (International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health).
- Enhanced body function components were noted.
- Functional abilities, walking endurance, and walking speed showed marked improvement.
Implications:
- Aquatic aerobic exercise demonstrates efficacy in improving functional outcomes for children with cerebral palsy.
- Findings support the integration of aquatic exercise into pediatric CP rehabilitation programs.
- Further research is warranted to explore broader applications and long-term effects.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an aquatic aerobic exercise program for a child with cerebral palsy.
Methods:
A 5-year-old girl with spastic diplegia classified at level III on the Gross Motor Function Classification System participated in this single-subject A-B-A design study. The aquatic aerobic exercise intervention was carried out 3 times per week for 12 weeks at an intensity of 50% to 80% of heart rate reserve. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Gross Motor Function Measure, and 6-minute walk test were used as outcomes.
Results:
Statistically significant improvements were found in the participation, activity, and body function components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health model. Improvements in functional abilities and walking endurance and speed were recorded.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that an aquatic aerobic exercise program was effective for this child with cerebral palsy and support the need for additional research in this area.
