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A Fitness Program for Children With Disabilities

MA Fragala-Pinkham, PT, MS, is Clinical Researcher, Research Center for Children with Special Health Care Needs, Franciscan Hospital for Children, 30 Warren St, Boston, MA 02135 (USA) (mfragala{at}fchrc.org)
SM Haley, PT, PhD, is Associate Director, Health and Disability Research Institute, Boston University, Boston, Mass, and Director of Research, Research Center for Children with Special Health Care Needs, Franciscan Hospital for Children
J Rabin, DO, is Director of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC. At the time of the study, Dr Rabin was Director of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Franciscan Hospital for Children
VS Kharasch, MD, is Director of Pulmonology, Franciscan Hospital for Children, and Assistant in Medicine, Childrens Hospital, Boston, Mass

Address all correspondence to Ms Fragala-Pinkham

Background and Purpose. This case report describes a fitness program for children with disabilities and provides preliminary information about the safety and feasibility of the program. Case Description. Nine children, 5 to 9 years of age with physical or other developmental disabilities, participated in a 14-week group exercise program held 2 times per week followed by a 12-week home exercise program. Energy expenditure index, leg strength (force-generating capacity of muscle), functional skills, fitness, self-perception, and safety were measured before intervention, after the group exercise program, and again after the home exercise program. Outcomes. No injuries occurred, and improvements in many of the outcome measures were observed. More improvements were observed after the group exercise program than after the home program, and adherence was better during the group exercise program. Discussion. This case report demonstrates that a group exercise program of strength and endurance training may be a safe and feasible option for children with disabilities. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of a group fitness program and optimal training parameters.

Key Words: Aerobic conditioning • Exercise • Pediatrics • Physical fitness • Strength training

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