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High-intensity interval training to improve fitness in children with cerebral palsy
Reidun Lauglo1, Torstein Vik2, Torarin Lamvik3
1Rosenborg Physiotherapy Clinic , Trondheim , Norway.
Insights
High-intensity interval training (HIT) significantly improved aerobic exercise capacity in children with cerebral palsy (CP). This training method offers an efficient way to enhance maximal physical capacity and energy reserves for this population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) affects motor function, impacting exercise capacity.
- Optimizing physical function in children with CP is crucial for their well-being.
- High-intensity interval training (HIT) is a time-efficient exercise modality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of HIT on aerobic exercise capacity in children with CP.
- To evaluate changes in quality of life and body composition following HIT.
- To determine the effectiveness of HIT for improving physical function in pediatric CP.
Main Methods:
- A baseline control trial involving children with CP (GMFCS levels I-IV, ages 10-17).
- HIT program: 24 sessions, 16 minutes of exercise >85% max heart rate.
- Outcomes measured: aerobic capacity (VO2peak, VO2submax), quality of life (KINDL), body composition (DXA).
Main Results:
- VO2peak increased by 10% (p<0.01) after HIT.
- VO2submax did not change, indicating improved oxygen utilization efficiency.
- Body composition remained unchanged; parent-reported quality of life improved, but not self-reported.
Conclusions:
- HIT effectively enhances aerobic exercise capacity in children with CP.
- HIT can increase energy reserves and maximal physical capacity efficiently.
- HIT shows promise as a beneficial intervention for children with cerebral palsy.
Aim:
To evaluate effects of high-intensity interval training (HIT) on aerobic exercise capacity, quality of life, and body composition in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Methods:
This was a baseline control trial. Children with CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-IV, and age 10-17 years were included. The primary outcome, peak, and submaximum oxygen uptake (VO2peak, VO2submax) were measured at enrolment to the study (T0), after a pretraining period (T1), and after HIT (T2). Secondary outcomes were quality of life assessed with the KINDL questionnaire, and body composition measured using whole body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning. The exercise was performed on treadmills and consisted of 24 sessions, each with a total of 16 min of exercise at >85% of maximal heart rate.
Results:
20 children were included and 6 children dropped out. VO2peak increased by 10%, from a median of 37.3 (31.0-40.1) to 41.0 (36.6-48.5) mL/kg/min from T1 to T2 (p<0.01). VO2submax did not change; thereby, the percentage oxygen utilisation was reduced. Body composition was unchanged. Parent-reported quality of life improved, whereas quality of life reported by the children did not improve.
Conclusions:
Aerobic exercise capacity improved and per cent utilisation of VO2max declined after HIT in children with CP. Therefore, HIT can be a time efficient way to improve maximal capacity, and increase energy reserve in this patient group.
Trial Registration Number:
NCT00965133.
