Maintenance of Functional Gains Following a Goal-Directed and FES-Assisted Cycling Program for Children With Cerebral Palsy.

Purpose: This study investigated whether the functional improvements associated with functional electrical stimulation-assisted cycling, goal-directed training, and adapted cycling in children with cerebral palsy were maintained 8 weeks after the intervention ceased.

Methods: The intervention (2 × 1-hour supervised sessions and 1-hour home program/week) ran for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes were the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).

A qualitative analysis of the experiences of children with cerebral palsy and their caregivers in a goal-directed cycling programme.

Purpose: This qualitative thematic analysis aimed to capture the experiences of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and caregivers who completed an 8-week goal-directed cycling programme, to provide insights on engagement and programme feasibility.

Methods: Children with CP (6-18 years, Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFCS) levels II-IV) and caregivers completed semi-structured interviews at the end of the training programme. Interview transcripts were coded by two investigators and systematically organised into themes.

Functional electrical stimulation cycling, goal-directed training, and adapted cycling for children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial.

Aim: To test the efficacy of functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling, goal-directed training, and adapted cycling, compared with usual care, to improve function in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method: The intervention was delivered between 2017 and 2019 and included three sessions per week for 8 weeks (2×1h sessions at a children's hospital, and 1h home programme/week). Hospital sessions included 30 minutes of FES cycling and 30 minutes of goal-directed training.

Machine learning to quantify habitual physical activity in children with cerebral palsy.

Aim: To investigate whether activity-monitors and machine learning models could provide accurate information about physical activity performed by children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) who use mobility aids for ambulation.

Method: Eleven participants (mean age 11y [SD 3y]; six females, five males) classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III and IV, completed six physical activity trials wearing a tri-axial accelerometer on the wrist, hip, and thigh. Trials included supine rest, upper-limb task, walking, wheelchair propulsion, and cycling.

Effects of a training programme of functional electrical stimulation (FES) powered cycling, recreational cycling and goal-directed exercise training on children with cerebral palsy: a randomised controlled trial protocol.

Introduction: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) experience declines in gross motor ability as they transition from childhood to adolescence, which can result in the loss of ability to perform sit-to-stand transfers, ambulate or participate in leisure activities such as cycling. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling is a novel technology that may provide opportunities for children with CP to strengthen their lower limbs, improve functional independence and increase physical activity participation. The proposed randomised controlled trial will test the efficacy of a training package of FES cycling, adapted cycling and goal-directed functional training to usual care in children with CP who are susceptible to functional declines.

Efficacy of cycling interventions to improve function in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of cycling to improve function and reduce activity limitations in children with cerebral palsy; the optimal training parameters for improved function; and whether improvements in function can be retained.

Method: Six databases were searched (until February 2019) and articles were screened in duplicate. Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials and pre-post studies were included.