Impact of Resistance Therapy on Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Luisa Collado-Garrido, Paula Parás-Bravo, Pilar Calvo-Martín and Miguel Santibáñez-Margüello
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Luisa Collado-Garrido: Rehabilitation Service, The Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Valdecilla Avenue s/n. C.P.: 39008 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
Paula Parás-Bravo: Faculty of Nursing, University of Cantabria, Valdecilla Avenue s/n., 39008 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
Pilar Calvo-Martín: Rehabilitation Service, The Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Valdecilla Avenue s/n. C.P.: 39008 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
Miguel Santibáñez-Margüello: Faculty of Nursing, University of Cantabria, Valdecilla Avenue s/n., 39008 Santander, Cantabria, Spain

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 22, 1-21

Abstract: Cerebral palsy is one of the main causes of disability in childhood. Resistance therapy shows benefits in increasing strength and gait in these patients, but its impact on motor function is not yet clear. The objective was to analyze the impact of resistance therapy on the improvement in the motor function using a review and meta-analysis. A comprehensive literature research was conducted in Medline (PubMed), Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) Web of Knowledge, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) in relation to clinical trials in which resistance therapy was used and motor function was assessed. Twelve controlled clinical trials and three non-controlled clinical trials (only one intervention arm) studies were identified. In terms of pre–post difference, the overall intra-group effect was in favor of resistance therapy intervention: standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.21 to 0.52, p < 0.001 (random-effects model), with moderate heterogeneity ( I 2 = 59.82%). SMDs were also positive by restricting to each of the analyzed scales: SMD = 0.37, 1.33, 0.10, and 0.36 for Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), Lateral Step Up (LSU), Time Up and Go (TUG), and Mobility Questionnaire (MobQue) scales, respectively. Regarding the difference between groups, the results showed a high heterogeneity ( I 2 < 99%), with the mean difference (MD) also favorable for the GMFM scale: MD = 1.73, 95% CI = 0.81 to 2.64, p < 0.001 (random-effects model). Our results support a positive impact of resistance therapy on motor function. Further studies should delve into the clinical relevance of these results.

Keywords: Cerebral palsy; resistance therapy; motor skills; child; meta-analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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