Article

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect and feasibility of a 10-week group aquatic
training programme on gait efficiency in adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP).
The secondary purpose was to determine the exercise intensity during aquatic
training in a heterogeneous group of adolescents with CP and to investigate the
impact of the training programme on the musculoskeletal system. METHOD: Twelve
ambulatory adolescents with spastic CP were recruited. They participated in 20
aquatic training sessions (45 min twice a week). Three physical therapists and a
sports teacher supervised the training sessions. Participants wore a heart rate
monitor to assess sessions' intensity and a floatation device as appropriate. The
primary outcome measure was gait efficiency as measured by the gait energy
expenditure index (EEI). The secondary measures were (1) gait spatiotemporal
parameters, (2) maximal isometric knee strength and (3) gross motor function.
RESULTS: Ten adolescents completed the training programme. No adverse effect was
reported. Average exercise intensity was mild to moderate for more than half of
the training session. A significant reduction of the EEI and the heart rate
during walking was observed following the training programme. No significant
change was observed on secondary outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: Group aquatic
training increases gait efficiency in adolescents with CP. This improvement is
related to systemic cardiorespiratory adaptations. Group aquatic training
programme is feasible in adolescents presenting CP at different levels of
severity.

Langue : ANGLAIS