Task-Specific and Functional Effects of Speed-Focused Elliptical or Motor-Assisted Cycle Training in Children With Bilateral Cerebral Palsy: Randomized Clinical Trial.
Diane L Damiano, Christopher J Stanley, Laurie Ohlrich and 1 others
PMID 28691601WHAT IT FOUND
Walking speed did not improve in children with bilateral cerebral palsy after speed-focused elliptical or cycle training.
They moved faster on the device they trained on, but not on the other device.
Key findings
01Training produced large gains in cadence on the device used, with little transfer to the other device.
02Walking speed did not improve after training.
03Parent-reported function and selective control did not improve with training.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
Some children could not use the elliptical, so randomization was changed and the groups were not equivalent in function or size. The sample was small, with 27 children, and the maximum total training dose was only 20 hours. Therapists were not blinded for strength and selective control assessments. The three-month no-exercise period differed by child, with some having it before training and others after training. Only 24 of 27 participants had completed exercise logs, so exact dose was partly parent report. Parent-reported measures may not be sensitive to change after physical therapy.
Declared interests
All authors declared that there is no conflict of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that elliptical or cycle training improves walking speed or daily function in children with cerebral palsy. Walking speed did not improve, and the groups were not equivalent because some children could not use the elliptical and were reassigned.