Ann Physiother Clin | Volume 2, Issue 1 | Research Article | Open Access

The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Pressure, Pulmonary Function and Walking Ability in Preschool Children with Cerebral Palsy

Gkaraveli M^1*, Skordilis E¹, Grammatopoulou E², Karteroliotis K¹, Dania A¹, Morfis P³ and Fildisis G⁴

¹School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
²Department of Physiotherapy, Athens University of Applied Sciences, Greece
³Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
⁴Department of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece

^*Correspondance to: Gkaraveli M 

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Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) on the respiratory function and the walking ability of preschool children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). A sample of seven children with spastic CP, aged 4.5 to 7 yrs., participated in a control condition (6 weeks) and in an experimental condition (6 weeks afterwards). During the experimental period, the children performed Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT), at 40% of their Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) for 20 mins, 2 times per week. Measured variables were: Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP), Maximum Expiratory Pressure (MEP), and Forced Expiratory Volume in the First Second (FEV1 ), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Six-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT). The statistical analyses with t-tests for dependent samples showed a significant effect of the experimental condition at MIP (p=0.016) and MEP (p=0.018), while ANOVA - repeated measurements and the within subjects’ contrasts were significant for FEV1 (p=0.013), FVC (p=0.005) and 6-MWT (p=0.004). Overall, the present study supported the effectiveness of IMT program on respiratory function and functional capacity in preschool children with CP. Despite the limited sample size and the absence of a control condition, the IMT may be considered with caution in the rehabilitation context of children with CP.

Keywords:

Cerebral palsy; Inspiratory muscle training; Respiratory function; MIP

Citation:

Gkaraveli M, Skordilis E, Grammatopoulou E, Karteroliotis K, Dania A, Morfis P, et al. The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Pressure, Pulmonary Function and Walking Ability in Preschool Children with Cerebral Palsy. Ann Physiother Clin. 2019; 2(1): 1010.