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. Methodological quality was assessed using the Downs and Black scale. Outcomes were reported under the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domains of body functions and activity limitations. Quantitative analyses were completed using RevMan V5.3.

Results: A total of 533 articles were identified and 9 studies containing data on 282 participants met full inclusion criteria. Methodological quality ranged from low (14 of 32) to high (28 of 32). Significant improvements were reported for hamstring strength (effect size = 0.77-0.93), cardiorespiratory fitness (effect size = 1.13-1.77), balance (effect size = 1.03-1.29), 3-minute walk test distance (effect size = 1.14) and gross motor function (effect size = 0.91). Meta-analysis suggested that cycling can improve gross motor function (standardized mean difference = 0.35; 95% confidence interval = (-0.01, 0.70);  = 0.05); however, the effect was insignificant when a poor-quality study was omitted.

Conclusion: Cycling can improve muscle strength, balance and gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy; however, optimal training doses are yet to be determined. There was insufficient data to determine whether functional improvements can be retained. Conclusions were limited by small sample sizes, inconsistent outcome measures and a lack of follow-up testing.