Physical conditioning in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

IntroductionCerebral palsy (CP) can be described as a group of permanent non-progressive disorders that occur in the developing fetal or infant brain. Studies have shown that children and adolescents with CP have low cardiorespiratory fitness and higher energy expenditure during daily activities when compared to typical children. Therefore, interventions focused on the physical conditioning of this population could be critical. ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of physical conditioning training on distance walked and maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂ max) in individuals with CP, through a systematic review. MethodTwo independent researchers performed systematic searches in the PUBMED, SciELO, PEDro, ERIC, and Cochrane databases using the search terms "physical fitness", "aerobic training" or "endurance" combined with "cerebral palsy". Inclusion criteria: (1) population (children and adolescents with CP between 5 and 18 years old); (2) type of study (experimental studies); (3) type of intervention (physical conditioning protocols); (4) outcome (distance walked in the 6 min walking test - 6MWT, and VO₂ max). Results386 studies were identified and 5 articles were considered eligible. After physical conditioning training, there was an increase of 46.34 m (p = 0.07) and 5.93. ml. kg-1. min −1 (p < 0.001) in the 6MWT and VO₂ max, respectively. ConclusionPhysical conditioning training appears to be clinically beneficial to the cardiorespiratory fitness of children and adolescents with CP.