Physical & Occupational Therapy In Pediatrics · 2007 · 39 citations · 27 references
MedicineChild HealthPhysical EducationPediatric Rehabilitation MedicinePhysical TherapyRehabilitationCerebral PalsyNeurodevelopmental RehabilitationNeuromuscular RehabilitationPediatric NeurorehabilitationPediatric Physical TherapyPhysical RehabilitationCerebral Palsy InterventionEffect SizeFollow-up DurationLower Limb FunctionPilot Study DesignPilot Study Sample SizeTask-oriented Motor InterventionTraining Program Design
This pilot study examined the feasibility of a 6-week group-based, task-related training program in children 6 to 14 years-old with spastic diplegia. Eight children were randomized to lower limb training and seven to an upper limb dexterity training program. There were no statistically significant differences in lower limb outcomes between children who received the lower limb training and children who received the upper limb dexterity training after completion of the interventions or at a 6-week follow-up. Children who received the upper limb training demonstrated a greater improvement on measures of manual dexterity compared with children who received the lower limb training program. Children who received the lower limb training demonstrated a trend toward walking a longer distance in 10 minutes immediately following intervention, that was not sustained at the 6-week follow-up. The group setting appeared to motivate the children and enhance their participation in the training programs. The pilot study provides data for the calculation of effect size and sample estimates for future studies.
27