Abstract
Aim. To evaluate the effects of aquatic (AQ) compared to a land-based (LB) intervention programs on metabolic cost of walking (MCW), gross motor function and locomotor performance in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods. Eleven children with spastic diplegic CP completed this study, six in the AQ (5.2 ± 1.45 yrs) and five in the LB group (4.1 ± 1.33 yrs). MCW derived from Oxygen uptake (VO2) measured with a Cosmed K4 device and walking speed at steady state. Additional measures included the 10-m test, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), and Pediatric Evaluation Developmental Inventory (PEDI). Non-parametric statistics were used to analyze change in each group. Results. The AQ group significantly decreased MCW (Z=−2.2; P<.05) and increased steady state walking speed (Z=−2.2; P<.05). Both groups significantly increased 10-m walking speed (Z=−2.2; P<.03, and Z=−2.02; P<.05, resp.). The LB group exhibited moderate to large effect sizes in 10-m self-selected and fast walking speeds (Cohen's d=1.07 and 0.73, resp.). Conclusion. Our findings suggest that Both AQ and LB programs were effective in improving 10-m speed, while the AQ training also improved the MCW of walking at steady state in children with spastic diplegic CP.
Highlights
Cerebral palsy (CP) is defined as a group of permanent disorders of the development of movement and posture that cause activity limitation, and are attributed to nonprogressive disturbances that occurred in the developing fetal or infant brain [1]
Our findings suggest that Both AQ and LB programs were effective in improving 10-m speed, while the AQ training improved the metabolic cost of walking (MCW) of walking at steady state in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP)
The mean Oxygen Consumption (VO2) consumption between intervals did not differ more than 15 mL/min and did not prove significant in the ANOVA
Summary
Cerebral palsy (CP) is defined as a group of permanent disorders of the development of movement and posture that cause activity limitation, and are attributed to nonprogressive disturbances that occurred in the developing fetal or infant brain [1]. Compared to children without disability, children with CP exhibit a variety of primary and secondary functional restrictions, including (a) exaggerated muscle tone, present in 75% of all cases, interfering with the execution of controlled isolated movements [2, 3]; (b) reduced range of motion in the extremities during gait [4]; (c) reduced muscular strength [2, 5]; (d) deficits in aerobic and anaerobic capacity [6, 7]; (e) reduced respiratory function [8]. If this higher energy cost of walking is not decreased, it is likely that these children will reduce their participation in motor activities, evoking
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
