Active exercise interventions improve gross motor function of ambulant/semi-ambulant children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose: Evaluate effectiveness of active exercise interventions for improving gross motor activity/participation of school-aged, ambulant/semi-ambulant children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Five databases were searched for papers including school-aged children with CP, participating in active, exercise interventions with gross motor outcomes measured at the Activity/Participation level. Interventions with previous systematic reviews were excluded (e.g. hippotherapy). Evidence Level and conduct were examined by two raters.

Results: Seven interventions (34 studies) met criteria. All studies reported on gross motor function, however, a limited number investigated participation outcomes. Strong positive evidence was available for Gross Motor Activity Training (n= 6, Evidence Level II–IV), and Gross Motor Activity Training with progressive resistance exercise plus additional physiotherapy (n = 3, all Evidence Level II). Moderate positive evidence exists for Gross Motor Activity Training plus additional physiotherapy (n = 2, all Evidence Level II) and Physical Fitness Training (n = 4, Evidence Level II–V). Weak positive evidence was available for Modified Sport (n = 3, Evidence Level IV–V) and Non-Immersive Virtual Reality (n = 12, Evidence Level II–V). There was strong evidence against Gross Motor Activity Training plus progressive resistance exercise without additional physiotherapy (n = 4, all Evidence Level II).

Interpretation: Active, performance-focused exercise with variable practice opportunities improves gross motor function in ambulant/semi-ambulant children with CP.

Implications for rehabilitation

• Active exercise interventions improve gross motor function of ambulant/semi-ambulant children with cerebral palsy.

• Gross Motor Activity Training is the most common and effective intervention.

• Practice variability is essential to improve gross motor function.

• Participation was rarely measured and requires further research, particularly in interventions that embed real-world participation opportunities like Modified Sport.

Keywords:

• Exercise
• cerebral palsy
• gross motor
• children
• review

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest.