Influence of Aerobic Exercise on Inhibitory Control of Executive Functions in Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Authors

Nehad A. Abo-Zaid, Department of Physical Therapy for Pediatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt.
Amira M. El-Gendy, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
Islam Hewidy, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences and Practice, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.
Mohammed Essam Ali, Department of Physical Therapy for Integumentary System Disorders and Burns, Faculty of Physical Therapy, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt.
Ahmad Sabbahi, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.

Author Type(s)

Faculty

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