None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The physical impairments characterised by cerebral palsy, which make movement more difficult, put young people with cerebral palsy at risk of reduced habitual physical activity and increased sedentary time, the long term effects of which can include a greater risk of developing secondary health problems. We aim to complete a high quality phase one randomised controlled trial to establish if an innovative school-based aerobic exercise programme is both realistic and feasible in the specialist school setting, as well as being effective in increasing fitness, physical activity and participation for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.
Interventions
This project aims to develop a model for promoting and supporting children and adolescents with cerebral palsy, who are enrolled in Victorian specialist schools, to take part in aerobic fitness enhancing activities as a part of the school curriculum.
Young people with cerebral palsy in the experimental group will complete a 9-week, three times per week aerobic exercise intervention of 30 minutes, conducted within normal school hours. The exercise program will be designed and overseen by the
This project aims to develop a model for promoting and supporting children and adolescents with cerebral palsy, who are enrolled in Victorian specialist schools, to take part in aerobic fitness enhancing activities as a part of the school curriculum. Young people with cerebral palsy in the experimental group will complete a 9-week, three times per week aerobic exercise intervention of 30 minutes, conducted within normal school hours. The exercise program will be designed and overseen by the priniciple researcher (a physiotherapist) and the school based physiotherapists. Aerobic activities will be tailored to each participant's level of gross motor function and will consist of alternating activities such as, walking, running, arm and leg cycling, rowing, and aerobic style moves. Participants will have their heart rates monitored throughout each session. The aerobic sessions will be undertaken as a group, though individual assistance will be provided where necessary.
Sponsors
Ms Stacey Carlon
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
8 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Participants must be aged between 8-18 years, be able to follow simple instruction in English, and have a reliable yes/no response. Participants must be classified as between levels I-III on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and be well enough to take part in an intensive exercise training program.
Exclusion criteria
Young people with cerebral palsy will be ineligible to participate if they have poorly controlled epilepsy, or another medical condition, if they have participated in a strength or aerobic training programme in the six months prior, or if they have received lower limb botulinum toxin injections, serial casting or orthopaedic surgery any time in the six months leading up to their commencement of the trial.
Outcome results
None listed