The PEDALS stationary cycling intervention and health‐related quality of life in children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

AIM The aim of this study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) following a stationary cycling intervention in children with cerebral palsy (CP).METHOD This was a phase I multisite randomized controlled trial with single blinding. HRQOL was evaluated using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory SF15 (PedsQL; children) and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI; parent proxy) before and after a 3-month stationary cycling intervention. Sixty-two children (29 male, 33 female; mean age 11y; range 7-18y) with spastic diplegic CP, classified as levels I to III on the Gross Motor Function Classification System, were enrolled. Paired and independent t-tests were used to evaluate within-and between-group differences respectively. RESULTS Between-group differences, favoring the cycling group, were found for PedsQL emotional functioning (p=0.046) and Parental PODCI treatment expectations scores (p=0.006). Between-group differences were not found for other scales. Within-group improvements were found in the cycling group: PedsQL total score (+5.8; p=0.006), psychosocial health summary (+6.9; p=0.008), and school functioning (+8.0; p=0.038). PODCI satisfaction with symptoms decreased significantly only in the control group (-12.0; p=0.046).

Physical activity predicts quality of life and happiness in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy

“…health issues and GMFCS) are not as readily managed or changed. Indeed, intervention studies are beginning to provide evidence for the role of physical activity programs to increase quality of life in youth with cerebral palsy [17,31].…”

“…Similarly, Van Wely et al [16] measured QOL as a secondary outcome in a physical activity and fitness intervention for young people with cerebral palsy, but found neither change in physical activity behaviour nor quality of life. Other physical activity intervention studies currently underway in young people with cerebral palsy are measuring quality of life as part of their protocol, however, results are not yet available [17,18].…”

Stepping Up to Rethink the Future of Rehabilitation: IV STEP Considerations and Inspirations

“…There is evidence that exercise can improve academic performance in adolescents without disability 39 and psychosocial health in children with cerebral palsy. 40 It is hoped that promotion of physical activity in childhood can set the course for a healthy lifestyle that prevents or minimizes fatigue, pain, and depression experienced by adults with cerebral palsy and other childhood-onset disabilities. 41 …”

Physical Activity Among Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: An Integrative Review

“…Three studies investigated effects of physical activity on quality of life (Demuth, Knutson, & Fowler, 2012;Rosenbaum, Livingston, Palisano, Galuppi, & Russell, 2007;Sakzewski et al, 2012). Across studies, different instruments were used to measure quality of life but evidence supported a positive influence of physical activity on quality of life.…”