The effect of feedback respiratory training on pulmonary function of children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of feedback respiratory training on pulmonary function of children with cerebral palsy.

DESIGN: Randomized controlled experimental study.

SETTING: Outpatient rehabilitation hospital.

SUBJECTS: Twenty-two children with cerebral palsy were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (feedback respiratory training) and the control group.

INTERVENTIONS: Feedback respiratory training and comprehensive rehabilitation therapy were performed by children in the experimental group. Comprehensive rehabilitation therapy was performed by children in the control group. Children in both groups received training three times per week for a period of four weeks.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume at one second, peak expiratory flow, vital capacity, tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume and expiratory reserve volume were assessed before and after four weeks training period.

RESULTS: Significant improvements in pulmonary function were observed after training in the experimental group (P < 0.05). Greater gains were observed in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Values of forced vital capacity increased by 50%, forced expiratory volume at one second increased by 40% as a result of training in the experimental group. The control group showed no significant changes in pulmonary function after training (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Participation in feedback respiratory training resulted in improvement of pulmonary function of children with cerebral palsy.