Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 5, 2025
Author Spotlight: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Movement Observation in Cerebral Palsy
Published on: August 9, 2024
Effects of Physical Therapist Intervention on Pulmonary Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review
Magdalena Rutka1, Waclaw M Adamczyk2,3, Paweł Linek1
1Musculoskeletal Elastography and Ultrasonography Laboratory, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Poland.
Insights
Physical therapy can improve lung function and respiratory muscle strength in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) shows particular promise for enhancing breathing in these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Pulmonology
- Neurology
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a leading cause of childhood physical disability.
- Pulmonary dysfunction significantly contributes to mortality in individuals with CP.
- Improving respiratory function is crucial for managing CP and enhancing quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the effects of physical therapy interventions on pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in children with CP.
- To identify effective physical therapy methods for improving respiratory outcomes in pediatric CP patients.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of 10 databases was conducted without language, design, or time restrictions.
- Studies included children with CP aged 5-18 years, focusing on physical therapy's impact on the respiratory system.
- Data on intervention details and respiratory outcomes (spirometry, muscle strength) were extracted and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Ten studies involving 269 children examined five therapeutic methods: IMT, aerobic training, swimming, respiratory exercise, and elastic band exercise.
- Physical therapy significantly increased maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), peak expiratory flow, and maximum oxygen consumption.
- Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) specifically demonstrated positive effects on MEP and maximal inspiratory pressure.
Conclusions:
- Various physical therapy approaches can positively influence respiratory muscle strength and lung function in children with CP.
- While a definitive best method is unclear, physical therapy for at least 4 weeks, incorporating IMT, is suggested.
- These findings highlight the potential of physical therapy to improve pulmonary health in pediatric CP.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of physical therapy on pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Methods:
A search of 10 databases was conducted for this systematic review. Initially, there were no language, study design, or time frame restrictions. All studies assessing the effect of physical therapy on the respiratory system in children with CP were included. Two reviewers independently extracted and documented data. The data extracted included description of the intervention (duration, therapeutic method) and study results (change of spirometric parameters, respiratory muscle strength). The effects of physical therapist treatment were calculated using software.
Results:
A total of 269 children aged 5 to 18 years from 10 studies were included. The included studies consisted of 5 different therapeutic methods (inspiratory muscle training [IMT], aerobic training, swimming, respiratory exercise, exercise with elastic bands). Physical therapist intervention led to a significant increase in the maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) (I2 = 0%), peak expiratory flow (I2 = 0%), and maximum oxygen consumption (I2 = 37%). A separate analysis of the most frequently used therapy (IMT) showed a positive effect on MEP (I2 = 0%) and maximal inspiratory pressure (I2 = 35%).
Conclusion:
Various forms of physical therapy have potential to demonstrate a positive effect on maximal inspiratory pressure, MEP, and peak expiratory flow in children with CP. There is no possibility to recommend the best method and duration of the physical therapy; however, it can be suggested that physical therapy should be applied for at least 4 weeks and include IMT.
Impact:
CP is one of the most common causes of physical disabilities in children, and pulmonary dysfunction is the leading cause of death in people with CP. Thus, it is warranted to seek different approaches that may improve pulmonary function in people with CP. This review has shown that various forms of physical therapy have potential to improve the pulmonary function of children with CP.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Chest Physiotherapy
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...
01:25Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
01:30Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Nursing Management
Assessment
01:16Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue,...
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
01:29Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation