A randomized controlled trial of web‐based training to increase activity in children with cerebral palsy

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. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia. Other Publishers: Mac Keith Press. Release Date: 20160218. Correction Date: 20160704. Publication Type: Journal (0100), Peer Reviewed Journal (0110). Format Covered: Electronic. Document Type: Journal Article. Language: EnglishGrant Information: Boyd, Roslyn N. Major Descriptor: Cerebral Palsy; Childhood Development; Physical Activity. Classification: Neurological Disorders & Brain Damage (3297). Population: Human (10); Male (30); Female (40). Location: Australia. Age Group: Childhood (birth-12 yrs) (100); School Age (6-12 yrs) (180); Adolescence (13-17 yrs) (200). Methodology: Empirical Study; Quantitative Study. Supplemental Data: Tables and Figures Internet. References Available: Y. Page Count: 7. Issue Publication Date: Jul, 2016. Publication History: First Posted Date: Feb 15, 2016; Accepted Date: Nov 29, 2015. Copyright Statement: Mac Keith Press. 2016.Sponsor: Queensland Government, Co-Investment Program, Australia. Other Details: Grant ‘EBrain’. Recipients: Boyd, Roslyn N.; Ziviani, Jenny <br />Sponsor: Financial Markets Foundation for Children. Other Details: Research grant. Recipients: Boyd, Roslyn N.; Ziviani, Jenny <br />Sponsor: Sponsor name not included. Other Details: Australian Postgraduate Award; Smart State Fellowship. Recipients: Mitchell, Louise E.; Boyd, Roslyn N. <br />Sponsor: National Health and Medical Research Council. Grant: 1037220. Other Details: Career Development Fellowship; Level 2. Recipients: Boyd, Roslyn N. <br />