Aerobic Capacity in Contemporary Children and Children with Cerebral Palsy

Aim: To assess the aerobic capacity in contemporary children and children with cerebral palsy. Method: The study is a comparative study between two groups where one group children have developed with normal developmental milestones where as other group consist of children diagnosed Cerebral palsy (GMFCS E&R Level 1). The study aimed to assess the aerobic capacity by submaximal exercise testing method using the six-minute walk test. The participants demographic data and diagnosis was noted and they performed the six minute walk test. The comparison between both the group was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Result: The results show that the children with Cerebral palsy have reduced level of cardiovascular endurance compared to their peer groups. The children with Cerebral palsy showed reduced level of aerobic capacity. Conclusion: Children aged between 6-12 years diagnosed with Cerebral palsy showed reduced level of VO2 max as compared to the contemporary children of their same age group. The results also show that there is a significant rise in the Blood Pressure and Rate of perceived exertion faced by children with cerebral palsy following the six-minute walk test.