Cardiopulmonary exercise testing in children with cerebral palsy: Feasibility and the relationship between aerobic capacity and gross motor function: A pilot study

INTRODUCTION: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) may exhibit reduced aerobic capacity. While the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is the gold standard for determining aerobic capacity, motor disorders and accompanying disturbances make its application challenging. The 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) may offer a practical alternative. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of CPET, explore its relationship with the 6-MWT, and investigate the association between aerobic capacity and gross motor function in children with CP. METHODS: Children aged 6-13 years with unilateral/bilateral spastic CP classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System Level II, who could follow instructions and walk on a treadmill without physical assistance, were included. The Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), 6-MWT, and treadmill-based CPET were performed. CPET feasibility was evaluated by maximal exertion and termination reasons. CONCLUSION: Treadmill-based CPET demonstrated limitations in reaching maximal aerobic capacity in this pilot sample of children with CP. The 6-MWT may offer a practical approach for evaluating functional performance, given its association with gross motor function.