Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of feedback respiratory training on
pulmonary function of children with cerebral palsy.
DESIGN: Randomized controlled
experimental study. SETTING: Outpatient rehabilitation hospital. SUBJECTS: Twenty-two children with cerebral palsy were randomly assigned to two groups: the
experimental group (feedback respiratory training) and the control group.
INTERVENTIONS: Feedback respiratory training and comprehensive rehabilitation
therapy were performed by children in the experimental group. Comprehensive
rehabilitation therapy was performed by children in the control group. Children
in both groups received training three times per week for a period of four weeks.
OUTCOME MEASURES: Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume at one second,
peak expiratory flow, vital capacity, tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume
and expiratory reserve volume were assessed before and after four weeks training
period. RESULTS: Significant improvements in pulmonary function were observed
after training in the experimental group (P < 0.05). Greater gains were observed
in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Values of forced
vital capacity increased by 50%, forced expiratory volume at one second increased
by 40% as a result of training in the experimental group.
The control group
showed no significant changes in pulmonary function after training (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Participation in feedback respiratory training resulted in
improvement of pulmonary function of children with cerebral palsy.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2013.

Langue : ANGLAIS