Maintenance of Functional Gains Following a Goal-Directed and FES-Assisted Cycling Program for Children With Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

This study investigated whether the functional improvements associated with functional electrical stimulation-assisted cycling, goal-directed training, and adapted cycling in children with cerebral palsy were maintained 8 weeks after the intervention ceased. The intervention (2 × 1-hour supervised sessions and 1-hour home program/week) ran for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes were the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Secondary outcomes included the GMFM-66 and goal scores, 5 times sit-to-stand test (FTSTS), Participation and Environment Measure-Children and Youth (PEM-CY), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT), and cycling power output (PO). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 8 and 16 weeks. Twenty children participated (mean age = 10 years 3 months; SD = 2 years 11 months; Gross Motor Function Classification System II = 5, III = 6, and IV = 9). Improvements were retained above baseline at 16 weeks on the GMFM and COPM. Improvements in cycling PO, PEDI-CAT scores, PEM-CY environmental barriers and FTSTS were also retained. Functional improvements in children with cerebral palsy were retained 8 weeks post-intervention.