《Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice》 ›› 2021, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (1): 79-92.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2021.01.012

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Effects of Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise on Motor Function and Activities for Children and Youth with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

CUI Yao1,2, XIAO Dun-wu1,2, DING Lin3, QIU Fu-bing4,5, CONG Fang1,2, QIU Zhuo-ying5,6,7   

  1. 1. Capital Medical University School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Beijing 100068, China
    2. Beijing Bo'ai Hospital, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing 100068, China
    3. Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030032, China
    4. Shenzhen University Department of Physical Education, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
    5. China Academy of ICF, Weifang, Shandong 261000, China
    6. Research Institute of Rehabilitation Information, China Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Beijing 100068, China
    7. WHO-FIC Collaborating Center in China, Beijing 100068, China
  • Received:2020-10-10 Revised:2020-12-29 Published:2021-01-25 Online:2021-01-27
  • Contact: CONG Fang, E-mail: cong_fang_crrc@sina.com
  • Supported by:
    China Rehabilitation Research Center Project (No. 2019-ZX06)

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the intervention effects of aquatic therapeutic exercise on functioning and quality of life for children and youth with cerebral palsy within framework of World Health Organization Family International Classifications using systematic review. Methods Literatures were retrieved and reviewed from the databases of Cochrane Library, PEDro, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Knowledge, Web of Science, OVID, EBSCO, CMCI, CNKI, Wangfang and VIP until May, 2020. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about aquatic therapeutic exercise for children and youth with cerebral palsy for functioning were systematically reviewed. The data were analyzed with RevMan 5.3. Results Nine RCTs were selected, including 162 children and youth. The score of Gross Motor Function Measure improved significantly after aquatic exercise (WMD = 6.31, 95 %CI 2.57 to 10.06, P < 0.001), as well as daily activities and quality of life. Conclusion Aquatic therapeutic exercise can help improve the gross motor function of children and youth with cerebral palsy, and has positive effects on function of activity and quality of life.

Key words: cerebral palsy, aquatic therapeutic exercise, motor function, activities, quality of life, meta-analysis

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