Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of conductive education applied in water exercise on cerebral palsy. Methods 58 children with cerebral palsy who could accept conductive education were divided into observation group (n=29) and control group (n=29) randomly. All the children accepted routine rehabilitation, and the observation group accepted water exercise in the model of conductive education. They were assessed with muscular strength, muscular tension (modified Ashworth Scale) and the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) before and after training. Results The score of GMFM improved more in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05), as well as the incidence of improvement of muscle tension (released 1 grade or more, 75.9% vs. 44.8%, P<0.05) and muscle strength (increased 1 grade or more, 82.8% vs. 58.6%, P<0.05). Conclusion Water exercise with the conductive education model can improve the gross motor function and muscle strength, release the spasticity in children with cerebral palsy.

Key words: cerebral palsy, water exercise, conductive education, gross motor function, spasticity, muscle strength, rhythmical intention