Effect of physical training of school children with cerebral palsy

Summary The results of training school children with cerebral palsy are reported. Twenty‐two severely handicapped subjects, with a mean age of 14 years, were trained three times a week för 20 minutes each time and för varying periods, ranging between 1 1/2 and 16 months. The effect of training on the observed “maximal” oxygen uptake was pronounced: 8 subjects improved 10–15 per cent above the original value and 12 subjects 25 per cent and more. Several students subjectively noted improved perförmance and well‐being. It was noted that inactivity during the 31/2‐months of summer vacation significantly reduced the observed “maximal” oxygen uptake incurred after a previous training period of equally long time. A measurable training effect was sometimes not found immediately. Once an effect was noted, it seemed to continue at the same rate för several months. It can be concluded that simple training as described here probably can be fitted into any rehabilitation program, and that it is important in increasing the physical capacity of severely handicapped children with cerebral palsy