ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Children and youth with moderate-severe (Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels II-V) cerebral palsy (CP) participate less frequently in physical activities compared with peers without CP and have elevated risk of cardiorespiratory morbidity and mortality in adulthood. Frame Running (RaceRunning) is a new athletics discipline that is an accessible option for physical activity participation for people with moderate-severe CP. There is no high-quality evidence for the effect of Frame Running on cardiovascular disease in children and young people with CP. The primary aim of this study is to conduct a randomised controlled trial of the effect of 12 weeks of Frame Running training on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. METHODS AND NALYSIS: Sixty-two children and youth with CP (age 8-20 years) in GMFCS levels II-V will be recruited across four sites and randomised to receive either 12 weeks of Frame Running training two times weekly for 60 min, or usual care. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, immediately postintervention (primary endpoint) and 12 weeks later for retention of training effects. The primary outcome is cardiorespiratory fitness as measured by distance covered on Six Minute RaceRunner Test with 1 min heart rate recovery. Other outcomes include blood pressure, objectively measured physical activity, body mass index, waist circumference, percentage body fat, gross motor function capacity, community participation, feasibility, tolerability and safety. Adverse events will be monitored, and participants and their caregivers will be interviewed to discern their experiences of participation in Frame Running. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service and the University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committees have approved this study. Results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences; through professional and athletic organisations; and to people with CP and their families. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12621000317897; Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number.
Subject(s)
Cerebral Palsy , Exercise Therapy , Adolescent , Australia , Cerebral Palsy/therapy , Child , Exercise Therapy/methods , Heart Disease Risk Factors , Humans , Multicenter Studies as Topic , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Pre-Employment Functional Assessments (PEFA) are increasingly used in an attempt to obtain objective information on a potential employee's functional capabilities. In rural and remote communities, there is typically reduced access to qualified therapists to perform these assessments, in part attributable to the time and costs associated with travelling to training courses. One potential method of providing the relevant training to conduct PEFAs is through the use of technologies such as videoconferencing or internet-based modules. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this project is to investigate the effectiveness of training therapists and therapy students in performing JobFit System PEFAs via technology when compared with a face-to-face control group. METHODS: Fifty-three participants, consisting of 28 professional physiotherapists and occupational therapists, and 25 final year University of Queensland (UQ) physiotherapy and occupational therapy students, underwent JobFit Systems International PEFA training via one of four intervention groups: face-to-face, realtime videoconferencing, group-based online module and individual online module. RESULTS: Of the 53 participants, 49 achieved the minimum competency level of 75% in post-training competency assessments. No significant difference was found in training levels between intervention groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that technology, such as real-time videoconference and online learning modules, can be used to train both therapists and students in how to perform JobFit System PEFAs.
