Abstract written by: Nekram Upadhyay

Kelly, M. & Darrah, J. (2005). Aquatic exercise for children with cerebral palsy. Dev Med Child Neuro. 47(12), 838-842.

This article reviews the research and developing theories to consider water-based exercise rather than land-based exercise for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Over the years, much research has been conducted on improving overall health of children with CP but most of this research was on non-ambulatory children with CP. The results achieved from these studies have shown significant increases in muscle strength as well as walking speed, wheelchair endurance, physical appearance, and gross motor functions. Land-based environments often pose a challenge for attaining sufficient intensity, safety, and control of aerobic and progressive resistance exercise for children with poor motor control, impaired balance, joint pathology, joint instability, and severe contractures. This review describes how the buoyancy of water reduces joint loading and impact, and decreases the negative influences of poor balance and postural control, possibly allowing children with CP to exercise in water with more freedom than on land.

To read the full abstract, go to http://www.ncpad.org/564/2503/Aquatic~Exercise~for~Children~with~Cerebral~Palsy.