Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Published on: January 12, 2019
Active exercise interventions improve gross motor function of ambulant/semi-ambulant children with cerebral palsy: a
Georgina Clutterbuck1,2, Megan Auld1,2, Leanne Johnston1
1a School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences , University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia.
Insights
Active exercise interventions significantly improve gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Gross Motor Activity Training, especially with varied practice, is most effective, though participation outcomes require further research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Neurology
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) affects gross motor function in school-aged children.
- Ambulant and semi-ambulant children with CP can benefit from targeted interventions.
- Improving motor activity and participation is crucial for quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of active exercise interventions for improving gross motor activity and participation in school-aged children with CP.
- To systematically review existing evidence on exercise-based approaches for this population.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.
- Searched five databases for relevant studies.
- Included studies focused on school-aged, ambulant/semi-ambulant children with CP and measured gross motor outcomes at the activity/participation level.
- Excluded interventions with prior systematic reviews (e.g., hippotherapy).
Main Results:
- Seven interventions across 34 studies met the criteria.
- Strong positive evidence supports Gross Motor Activity Training and Gross Motor Activity Training with added physiotherapy and progressive resistance exercise.
- Moderate evidence supports Gross Motor Activity Training with physiotherapy and Physical Fitness Training.
- Weak evidence exists for Modified Sport and Non-Immersive Virtual Reality.
- Strong evidence indicates that Gross Motor Activity Training with progressive resistance exercise but without additional physiotherapy is not effective.
Conclusions:
- Active, performance-focused exercise with variable practice enhances gross motor function in children with CP.
- Gross Motor Activity Training is a highly effective intervention.
- Incorporating practice variability is key for motor skill improvement.
- Further research is needed on participation outcomes, especially in interventions like Modified Sport that integrate real-world activities.
Purpose:
Evaluate effectiveness of active exercise interventions for improving gross motor activity/participation of school-aged, ambulant/semi-ambulant children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Method:
A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Five databases were searched for papers including school-aged children with CP, participating in active, exercise interventions with gross motor outcomes measured at the Activity/Participation level. Interventions with previous systematic reviews were excluded (e.g. hippotherapy). Evidence Level and conduct were examined by two raters.
Results:
Seven interventions (34 studies) met criteria. All studies reported on gross motor function, however, a limited number investigated participation outcomes. Strong positive evidence was available for Gross Motor Activity Training (n= 6, Evidence Level II-IV), and Gross Motor Activity Training with progressive resistance exercise plus additional physiotherapy (n = 3, all Evidence Level II). Moderate positive evidence exists for Gross Motor Activity Training plus additional physiotherapy (n = 2, all Evidence Level II) and Physical Fitness Training (n = 4, Evidence Level II-V). Weak positive evidence was available for Modified Sport (n = 3, Evidence Level IV-V) and Non-Immersive Virtual Reality (n = 12, Evidence Level II-V). There was strong evidence against Gross Motor Activity Training plus progressive resistance exercise without additional physiotherapy (n = 4, all Evidence Level II).
Interpretation:
Active, performance-focused exercise with variable practice opportunities improves gross motor function in ambulant/semi-ambulant children with CP. Implications for rehabilitation Active exercise interventions improve gross motor function of ambulant/semi-ambulant children with cerebral palsy. Gross Motor Activity Training is the most common and effective intervention. Practice variability is essential to improve gross motor function. Participation was rarely measured and requires further research, particularly in interventions that embed real-world participation opportunities like Modified Sport.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:11Enteric Nervous System: Regulation of GI Motor Activity
During periods of fasting, the ENS initiates the migrating myoelectric complex, a...
01:10Review and Preview
Percentiles are a type of fractile that partition data into...
01:13Review and Preview
01:17Gross Anatomy of the Lungs
01:16Gross Anatomy of the Stomach
01:19Testes: Gross Anatomy
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...