Abstract
Objective
This study investigates the influence of aerobic exercise training on inhibitory control of executive functions in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
Design
Single-blind randomized controlled trial.
Setting
Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinic.
Participants
Children aged 7–11 with left-sided hemiplegic cerebral palsy with emotional and behavioral dysregulation evidenced by scores >28 on Paediatric Symptom Checklist and GMFCS I or II (n = 60).
Intervention
Participants were randomly allocated into two equal groups. The control group received standard-of-care physical therapy for 1 h, and the aerobic exercise group received standard-of-care physical therapy for 30 min and moderate-intensity continuous exercise on a bicycle ergometer for 30 min. All groups received treatment three times a week for 12 weeks.
Main Measures
The Eriksen Flanker test and Stroop Color–Word test were used to assess inhibitory control of executive function at the baseline and after 12 weeks.
Results
Differences between pre- and post-treatment values in the exercise group showed significant improvement in Flanker response accuracy and Stroop response accuracy (p = 0.001) and significant decreases in Flanker congruent reaction time and Stroop congruent reaction time (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences between both groups in Flanker incongruent reaction time and Stroop incongruent reaction time (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
Aerobic exercise has a promising effect on inhibitory control of executive function in children with left-sided hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
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References
Supplementary Material
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