Aquatic-based Explosive Strength Training in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Condition: Cerebral Palsy
MeSH terms: Paralysis; Cerebral Palsy
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      This study was designed to assess the effect of a 12-week aquatic-based plyometric
      (Aqua-PLYO) training on postural control and functional performance in children with
      hemiparetic cerebral palsy (h-CP). Fifty-six children with h-CP were randomly allocated to
      the Aqua-PLYO group (n = 28, received an Aqua-PLYO training program, trice/week, over 12
      weeks) or the control group (n =28, received standard rehabilitation). Both groups were
      assessed for postural control and functional performance pre and post-treatment.
    

Detailed description: 
      Fifty-six children with h-CP were recruited from the Physical Therapy Outpatient Clinic of
      College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, King Khalid
      Hospital, and a tertiary referral hospital, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia. Their age ranged between
      12 and 16 years, were functioning at levels I or II on the Gross Motor Function
      Classification System, and had spasticity level 1 or 1+ per the Modified Ashworth Scale.
      Children were excluded if they had fixed deformities, had leg-length discrepancy, underwent
      neuromuscular or orthopedic surgery in the last 12 months, submitted to BOTOX injection in
      the past 6 months, attentional neglect, cardiopulmonary problems preventing them from
      performing high-intense exercise training.

      Outcome measures

        1. Postural control: The dynamic limits of stability (LOSdynamic) indices were measured
           through the Balance Master system.

        2. Functional performance: Functional performance was quantified using the 30-second
           sit-to-stand test (30sec-STS), Timed Up and Down Stairs test (TUDS), and the Dynamic
           Gait Index (DGI).

      The Aqua-PLYO group received a 12-week Aqua-PLYO training, 45 minutes per session, three
      times a week for 12 consecutive weeks, in conformity with the National Strength and
      Conditioning Association guidelines and American Academy of Pediatrics safety standards. The
      Aqua-PLYO program consisted of ten unilateral and bilateral lower limb plyometrics in the
      form of hopping/bounding/jumping activities conducted in a water medium. The Aqua-PLYO
      training included a warm-up for 10 minutes and a cool-down for10 minutes. The control group
      received the usual physical therapy care, 45 minutes per session, three times a week for 12
      consecutive weeks. The program consisted of advanced balance training, and gait training
      exercises, postural and flexibility exercises, strength training exercises.
    

Intervention name(s): Aquatic-based Plyometric Exercises; Standard Physical Therapy
Intervention type(s): Other; Other
Intervention description(s): The Aqua-PLYO group received the aquatic plyometric exercise training for 45 minutes, three times per week for 12 successive weeks. The training was conducted under close supervision of a licensed pediatric physical therapist according to safety performance guidelines defined by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US National Strength and Conditioning Association; The control group received the standard physical rehabilitation program conducted for 45 minutes, thrice a week for 12 consecutive weeks, and consisted of advanced balance training, gait training, postural and flexibility exercises, and strength training exercises.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Intervention model description: A prospective pre-test post-test randomized controlled trial
Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Unilateral Cerebral Palsy; Balance; Rehabilitation; Exercise; Function; Activity; Participation