A randomized controlled trial of web‐based training to increase activity in children with cerebral palsy. (15th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mitchell, Louise E; Ziviani, Jenny; Boyd, Roslyn N
• Is Part Of: Developmental medicine & child neurology. Volume 58:Number 7(2016:Jul.)
• Page Start: 767
• Page End: 773
• Publication Date: 2016-02-15
• Subjects: Child development -- Periodicals; Pediatric neurology -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.13065
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0012-1622

Abstract

Abstract : Aim: To determine the efficacy of web‐based training on activity capacity and performance in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP). Method: In a matched‐pairs randomized waitlist controlled trial, independently ambulant children and adolescents with unilateral CP were allocated to receive 30 minutes of training (intervention) 6 days per week, or usual care (waitlist control) for 20 weeks. Activity capacity was assessed using maximal repetitions of functional strength tasks and 6‐minute walk test (6MWT); performance using 4‐day ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer records at baseline and 20 weeks. Data were analysed by intention to treat comparing between groups using hierarchical linear modelling. Results: Participants were n =101, 52 males, mean age 11 years 3 months (SD 2y 4mo). Intervention participants completed a mean 32.4 hours (SD 17.2) of training, associated with significant improvements in functional strength (mean difference 19.3 repetitions; 95% confidence interval [CI] 10.8–27.7; p <0.001) and 6MWT distance (mean difference 38.9m; 95% CI 12.3–51.9; p <0.001) compared with the control group at 20 weeks, although not activity performance ( p >0.05). Interpretation: Training was effective at increasing functional strength and walking endurance in independently ambulant children with unilateral CP. This did not translate into improvements in activity performance. What this paper adds: Active video games may increase activity capacity and performance in children with cerebral palsy (CP). A randomized trial of web‐based training in children with unilateral CP. Web‐based training increases activity capacity. It did not improve activity performance. Web‐based training may need to be considered within multi‐dimensional intervention to increase physical activity. This article is commented on by Ryan on pages659–660 of this issue.