Group-Based Task-Related Training for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

This pilot study examined the feasibility of a 6-week group-based, task-related training program in children 6 to 14 years-old with spastic diplegia. Eight children were randomized to lower limb training and seven to an upper limb dexterity training program. There were no statistically significant differences in lower limb outcomes between children who received the lower limb training and children who received the upper limb dexterity training after completion of the interventions or at a 6-week follow-up. Children who received the upper limb training demonstrated a greater improvement on measures of manual dexterity compared with children who received the lower limb training program. Children who received the lower limb training demonstrated a trend toward walking a longer distance in 10 minutes immediately following intervention, that was not sustained at the 6-week follow-up. The group setting appeared to motivate the children and enhance their participation in the training programs. The pilot study provides data for the calculation of effect size and sample estimates for future studies.

Evidence for increasing physical activity in children with physical disabilities: a systematic review

“…One additional study 33 was excluded because it was a feasibility study and did not have the objective to measure the effect of the intervention. The full texts of the remaining seven studies [34][35][36][37][38][39][40] were reviewed, summarized in a data extraction form, and included in this systematic review. Five [35][36][37][38]40 of these seven studies were RCTs, and two 34,39 used a singlegroup design.…”

“…The levels of evidence of the studies varied from level I 40 to level II [35][36][37][38] to level IV 34,38,39 and is reported in Table SII. The first part of the study from van den Berg-Emons et al 38 was classified as an RCT and the last part as a pre-post design.…”

“…The characteristics of the studies are reported in Table SII (online supporting information). All seven studies [34][35][36][37][38][39][40] included children with cerebral palsy (CP) at Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I to II, 40 I to III, [34][35][36][37] and I to V, 38,39 with ages ranging from 6 (Crompton et al 35 ) to 17 (Mitchell et al 40 ) years. Sample sizes ranged from 15 (Crompton et al 35 ) to 102 (Mitchell et al 40 ).…”

Effects of a Group-Based Treadmill Program on Children With Neurodevelopmental Impairment Who Are Not Yet Ambulating

“…A 6-week groupbased task-based strengthening program that reported the effects of upper versus lower extremity strengthening led to significant improvements in children with CP ages 6 to 14 years. 31 Overall, the group-based environment was reported to have a motivating effect as well as being costeffective, feasible, and enjoyable for these preschool and school-aged children. [29][30][31] Although the effect of the group-based nature of the program could not be directly measured, beneficial aspects were observed by parents and researchers.…”

“…31 Overall, the group-based environment was reported to have a motivating effect as well as being costeffective, feasible, and enjoyable for these preschool and school-aged children. [29][30][31] Although the effect of the group-based nature of the program could not be directly measured, beneficial aspects were observed by parents and researchers. The children showed curiosity about each other, frequently looked and smiled at one another, interacted while walking on adjacent treadmills by sharing toys, and sometimes encouraged each other verbally.…”