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Aerobic training in children with cerebral palsy
A L Nsenga1, R J Shephard, S Ahmaidi
1UFR-STAPS, Université de Picardie, AMIENS, France. leunkeu2002@yahoo.fr
Insights
Children with cerebral palsy can improve cardio-respiratory fitness through cycle ergometer training. This aerobic training should be integrated into rehabilitation programs for enhanced outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric rehabilitation
- Exercise physiology
Background:
- Cardio-respiratory fitness is crucial for children with cerebral palsy, but its enhancement potential via training is not well-understood.
- Cerebral palsy affects motor function, potentially impacting aerobic capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cardio-respiratory status in children with cerebral palsy versus able-bodied children.
- To investigate the efficacy of cycle ergometer training in improving cardio-respiratory fitness in children with cerebral palsy.
Main Methods:
- 10 children with cerebral palsy (GMFCS levels I-II) underwent 8 weeks of thrice-weekly, 30-minute cycle ergometer training.
- Control groups included 10 children with cerebral palsy and 10 able-bodied children without training.
- Cardio-respiratory parameters (oxygen intake, ventilation, heart rate) were measured using a Cosmed K4 b gas analyzer before and after the intervention.
Main Results:
- Children with cerebral palsy who completed the training showed significant improvements in peak oxygen consumption, heart rate, and ventilation (p<0.05).
- A non-significant trend towards increased peak power output was observed in the trained group.
- No significant changes were noted in the control groups.
Conclusions:
- Cycle ergometer training significantly enhances cardio-respiratory fitness in children with cerebral palsy (GMFCS levels I-II).
- Aerobic training is a beneficial component for cerebral palsy rehabilitation programs.
Abstract:
Rehabilitation is a major goal for children with cerebral palsy, although the potential to enhance cardio-respiratory fitness in such individuals remains unclear. This study thus compared current cardio-respiratory status between children with cerebral palsy and able-bodied children, and examined the ability to enhance the cardio-respiratory fitness of children with cerebral palsy by cycle ergometer training. 10 children with cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I and II) participated in thrice-weekly 30 min cycle ergometer training sessions for 8 weeks (mean age: 14.2±1.9 yrs). 10 additional subjects with cerebral palsy (mean age: 14.2±1.8 yrs) and 10 able-bodied subjects (mean age: 14.1±2.1 yrs) served as controls, undertaking no training. All subjects undertook a progressive cycle ergometer test of cardio-respiratory fitness at the beginning and end of the 8-week period. Cardio-respiratory parameters [oxygen intake V˙O2), ventilation V ˙ E) and heart rate (HR)] during testing were measured by Cosmed K4 b gas analyzer. The children with cerebral palsy who engaged in aerobic training improved their peak oxygen consumption, heart rate and ventilation significantly (p<0.05) and they also showed a non-significant trend to increased peak power output. In conclusion, children with cerebral palsy can benefit significantly from cardio-respiratory training, and such training should be included in rehabilitation programs.
