Adaptive Downhill Skiing in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Effect on Gross Motor Function

PURPOSE: The study was designed to examine the effect of adaptive downhill skiing (ADS) on gross motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy. METHODS: One girl and four boys participated (mean age = eight years, five months). All were ambulatory. Participants' Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) classifications were: Level I (n = 2); Level II (n = 2); Level III (n = 1). ADS was conducted for a 10-week period at one ski resort. Each participant had the same ski instructor. GMFM was obtained every five weeks: beginning five weeks before ADS instruction and continuing to 10 weeks after ADS instruction. RESULTS: After 10 weeks of ADS GMFM-D, and GMFM-Total Score increased 5.4% (p = 0.022) and 3.2% (p = 0.035), respectively, and remained increased 10 weeks after ADS. CONCLUSION: ADS could be recommended by clinicians as a recreational activity for the gross motor rehabilitation of ambulatory children with spastic cerebral palsy.