Exercise interventions improve postural control in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Rehabilitation
• Neurology
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Postural control is a significant challenge for children with cerebral palsy (CP).
• Exercise interventions are increasingly utilized to address motor deficits in CP.
• Evidence for the effectiveness of various interventions is evolving.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review exercise interventions aimed at enhancing postural control in children with CP.
• To evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness based on the level of evidence.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review adhering to AACPDM and PRISMA guidelines.
• Searched six databases for studies on CP, postural control, and exercise interventions.
• Assessed articles for evidence level and methodological quality.

Main Results:

• Identified 13 exercise interventions for postural control in children with CP.
• Moderate evidence supports gross motor task training, hippotherapy, treadmill training (no-BWS), trunk-targeted training, and reactive balance training.
• Weak or conflicting evidence exists for FES, hippotherapy simulators, NDT, treadmill training (BWS), virtual reality, and visual biofeedback. Progressive resistance exercise was ineffective.

Conclusions:

• Exercise-based treatments for improving postural control in children with CP have gained prominence.
• Enhanced study designs are clarifying treatment efficacy.
• Further research is needed to link impairments, treatments, and outcomes, exploring engaging and accessible interventions.