Optimization of Postural Control, Balance, and Mobility in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Comparative Analysis of Independent and Integrated Effects of Pilates and Plyometrics.

The paradigm of comprehensive treatment approaches for children with cerebral palsy has gained traction, prompting clinicians to deliberate between independent and integrated treatment delivery. However, this decision-making process is often hindered by the dearth of empirical evidence available to inform optimal therapeutic strategies. This study, therefore, sought to compare the effects of Pilates-based core strengthening (PsCS), plyometric-based muscle loading (PlyoML), and their combination on postural control, balance, and mobility in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (ULCP).

Effectiveness of a dose-graded aerobic exercise regimen on cardiopulmonary fitness and physical performance in pediatric survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a randomized clinical trial.

Purpose: To determine whether a 12-week supervised dose-graded aerobic exercise (D-GAE) training, when implemented in conjunction with traditional rehabilitation, could help pediatric survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) enhance their cardiopulmonary capacity and improve their physical performance.

Methods: Fifty-eight pediatric survivors of ALL (age 13.78 ± 2.

The rationale of applying inspiratory/expiratory muscle training within the same respiratory cycle in children with bronchial asthma: a placebo-controlled randomized clinical investigation.

Objective: Even though positive implications of inspiratory muscle training (In-MT) have been established in children and adolescents with bronchial asthma (C/AwBA), the role of combined inspiratory and expiratory muscle training (Ex-MT) within the same respiratory cycle (In/Ex-SC) is still unknown. This study was, therefore, set out to explore the effect of In/Ex-SC on respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary functions, and control of asthma symptoms in C/AwBA.

Methods: This was a placebo-controlled randomized clinical investigation that included 51 C/AwBA (12-18 years).

Stretch-shortening cycle exercises can efficiently optimize gait-symmetry and balance capabilities in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) experience an asymmetrical gait pattern and poor balance capabilities. Effective interventions, therefore, are needed to facilitate remediation of these functional issues.

Objective: This study was set out to investigate the emerging role of stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) exercises on gait-symmetry and balance in children with UCP.

Functional outcomes of botulinum neurotoxin-A injection followed by reciprocal electrical stimulation in children with cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: The integration of therapeutic approaches is increasingly recommended for children with cerebral palsy, to enhance outcomes. Nevertheless, clinicians still opt for separate or combined therapies based on little credible knowledge.

Objective: This study endeavored to evaluate the effect of botulinum neurotoxin-A (BoNT-A) injection and reciprocal neuromuscular electrical stimulation (rNMES) and their combination on the upper extremity function in children with spastic hemiplegia.

Plyometric exercises: subsequent changes of weight-bearing symmetry, muscle strength and walking performance in children with unilateral cerebral palsy.

Objective: To evaluate the subsequent effects of plyometric training on weight-bearing symmetry, muscle strength, and gait performance in children with unilateral cerebral palsy.

Methods: Thirty-nine children with spastic hemiplegia (age 8-12 years) were randomly divided into either the PLYO group (=19, received a 30-minute plyometric exercise program plus the traditional physical rehabilitation, twice/week for eight consecutive weeks) or Non-PLYO group (=20, received the traditional physical rehabilitation only). The weight-bearing symmetry index (WB-SI), maximum isometric muscle strength (MIMS) of quadriceps and hamstring muscles, and spatial-temporal gait parameters were assessed pre and post-intervention.

Evaluation of independent versus integrated effects of reciprocal electrical stimulation and botulinum toxin-A on dynamic limits of postural stability and ankle kinematics in spastic diplegia: a single-blinded randomized trial.

Background: Combination of medical and physical therapy protocols are increasingly recommended for cerebral palsied children. However, the clinicians frequently choose between independent or integrated treatment delivery based on little empirical evidence.

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the independent versus the integrated effects of reciprocal electrical stimulation (RES) and botulinum toxin-A (BoNT-A) in terms of dynamic limits of postural stability and ankle kinematics in spastic diplegia.