Open AccessPilot Evaluation of a School-Based Programme Focused on Activity, Fitness, and Function among Children with Cerebral Palsy at GMFCS Level IV: Single-Subject Research Design
Author(s) -
Carol Daly,
Connie L. Moore,
Suzanne Johannes,
Julie Middleton,
Lisa K. Kenyon
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
physiotherapy canada
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.389
H-Index - 27
eISSN - 1708-8313
pISSN - 0300-0508
DOI - 10.3138/ptc-2018-0053
Subject(s) - cardiorespiratory fitness , gross motor function classification system , cerebral palsy , goal attainment scaling , physical therapy , gross motor skill , physical fitness , psychology , physical medicine and rehabilitation , rating scale , medicine , motor skill , rehabilitation , developmental psychology
Purpose: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) who function at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Level IV have difficulty achieving sufficient levels of physical activity to promote fitness. The purpose of this pilot evaluation was to investigate the practicability and impact of a school-based supported physical activity programme, using adaptive bicycles, on cardiorespiratory fitness and gross motor function among children with CP at GMFCS Level IV. Method: We used a single-subject, A-B-A-B research design replicated across three participants aged 8-14 years with CP at GMFCS Level IV who attended three different schools. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed weekly during all study phases using the energy expenditure index (EEI). Gross motor function was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66) and goal attainment scaling (GAS). During the intervention phases, an adaptive bicycle-riding programme was carried out daily at school for up to 30 minutes. Results: One participant demonstrated significant improvement on the EEI. All participants demonstrated improvement in gross motor function as determined by the GMFM-66 and GAS. Insights were garnered pertaining to the design for large-scale future studies. Conclusions: This pilot evaluation supports further investigation of school-based adaptive bicycle-riding programmes for children who have CP at GMFCS Level IV.