The Effect of Aquatic and Land-Based Training on the Metabolic Cost of Walking and Motor Performance in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study. (13th May 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Getz, Miriam; Hutzler, Yeshayahu; Vermeer, Adri; Yarom, Yoni; Unnithan, Viswanath
• Other Names: Danielsson A. Academic Editor.; Lewis A. Academic Editor.; Masani K. Academic Editor.; Ozcan Edeer A. Academic Editor.; Siu A. M. Academic Editor.; Tokmakidis S. P. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: ISRN rehabilitation. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-05-13
• Subjects: Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Vocational rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Medical rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Physical therapy -- Periodicals; Medical rehabilitation; Physical therapy; Rehabilitation; Vocational rehabilitation; Rehabilitation; Periodicals; 617.03
• DOI: 10.5402/2012/657979
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6129

Abstract

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.