Aquatic aerobic exercise for children with cerebral palsy: a pilot intervention study.

PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a14-week aquatic exercise program on gross motor function and walking endurance in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The secondary purpose was to evaluate changes in functional strength, aerobic capacity and balance. METHOD: A prospective time series group design consisting of four measurement sessions (two baseline, one post intervention, and 1-month follow-up) was used. Eight ambulatory children ages 6-15 years with CP and classified at Gross Motor Function Classification System Level I or Level III participated in an aquatic aerobic exercise program. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed for the primary outcomes of gross motor function and walking endurance. No significant differences between any of the secondary measures were observed, although all of the measures demonstrated trends of improvement after intervention. CONCLUSION: Ambulatory children with CP may improve their gross motor skills and walking endurance after an aquatic exercise program held twice per week for 14 weeks, utilizing moderate-to-vigorous exercise intensity and consisting of functional activities.

Physical therapy for a child with sudden-onset choreoathetosis: a case report.

PURPOSE: This case report describes the physical therapy examination, intervention, and outcomes for a 5-year-old girl who developed choreoathetosis following mitral valve repair. CASE DESCRIPTION: This child was admitted to an inpatient short-term rehabilitation program with marked choreoathetosis and dependence for all functional mobility. She received physical therapy twice a day for 5 weeks. Physical therapy intervention included therapeutic exercise emphasizing stabilization and closed chain exercises, aquatic therapy, and functional training to improve gross motor skills and mobility. Tests and measures included the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity, 66-item Gross Motor Function Measure, and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory. OUTCOMES: At discharge, this child demonstrated improvements in her Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity, Gross Motor Function Measure, and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory scores. She was independent in all functional mobility tasks. SUMMARY: This case study describes physical therapy tests and measures, intervention, and positive outcomes for a child with sudden-onset choreoathetosis.