NYMC Faculty Publications
Influence of Aerobic Exercise on Inhibitory Control of Executive Functions in Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Author Type(s)
Faculty
DOI
10.1177/02692155231208578
Journal Title
Clinical Rehabilitation
First Page
337
Last Page
346
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2024
Department
Rehabilitation Sciences
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the influence of aerobic exercise training on inhibitory control of executive functions in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. DESIGN: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Children aged 7-11 with left-sided hemiplegic cerebral palsy with emotional and behavioral dysregulation evidenced by scores >28 on Paediatric Symptom Checklist and GMFCS I or II ( = 60). INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly allocated into two equal groups. The control group received standard-of-care physical therapy for 1 h, and the aerobic exercise group received standard-of-care physical therapy for 30 min and moderate-intensity continuous exercise on a bicycle ergometer for 30 min. All groups received treatment three times a week for 12 weeks. MAIN MEASURES: The Eriksen Flanker test and Stroop Color-Word test were used to assess inhibitory control of executive function at the baseline and after 12 weeks. RESULTS: Differences between pre- and post-treatment values in the exercise group showed significant improvement in Flanker response accuracy and Stroop response accuracy ( = 0.001) and significant decreases in Flanker congruent reaction time and Stroop congruent reaction time ( < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences between both groups in Flanker incongruent reaction time and Stroop incongruent reaction time ( > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise has a promising effect on inhibitory control of executive function in children with left-sided hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
Recommended Citation
Abo-Zaid, N. A., El-Gendy, A. M., Hewidy, I., Essam Ali, M., & Sabbahi, A. (2024). Influence of Aerobic Exercise on Inhibitory Control of Executive Functions in Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Clinical Rehabilitation, 38 (3), 337-346. https://doi.org/10.1177/02692155231208578