Physiological Response to the 6-Minute Frame Running Test in Children and Adults With Cerebral Palsy

PURPOSE

To determine the physiological response and association to peak oxygen uptake of the 6-minute Frame Running test (6-MFRT) in persons with cerebral palsy (CP).

METHODS

Twenty-four participants with CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System II/III/IV, performed the 6-MFRT. Distance, peak heart rate (HR peak ), peak respiratory exchange ratio (RER peak ), and peak oxygen uptake ( O 2peak ) were measured.

RESULTS

HR peak ranged from 146 to 201 beats per minute, RER peak from 0.94 to 1.49, 6-MFRT distance from 179 to 1220 m and O 2peak from 0.62 to 2.18 L/min. HR peak was achieved in 63%, RER peak in 71%. A strong correlation was observed between 6-MFRT and O 2peak .

CONCLUSIONS

The 6-MFRT represented a (near) maximum effort for 75% of the participants and the 6-MFRT can be used to estimate oxygen consumption on an individual basis.

The Impact of Frame Running on Quality of Life in Young Athletes With Mobility Limitations

Purpose

The para-athletic sport Frame Running is developed for persons with neurological impairments causing severe limitations of walking ability. Participating in sports can contribute to a better quality of life (QoL). It is unknown if participation in Frame Running contributes to QoL in children with mobility limitations. This study aims to explore the changes in QoL in children and youth who started Frame Running.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study amongst young Frame Running athletes with mobility limitations due to various underlying causes, aged 6–19 years, who are members of one of the Frame Running groups in the Netherlands. For 62 athletes, parents completed the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) questionnaire (subscales: competence, adaptability, and self-esteem). For six athletes, parents were interviewed to obtain more in-depth insight in the perceived changes in the QoL of their children.

Results

Parents (of 58% boys, mean age 12 years 4 months; SD 3 years 3 months; 52% supported walkers) reported a significant positive change on all three subscales of the PIADS questionnaire since their children started Frame Running. Most change was experienced in the items performance, the ability to participate, happiness and self-confidence. Quotes of the parents who were interviewed elucidated these changes.

Conclusion

Frame Running increased QoL in young athletes with a mobility limitation. Frame Running may therefore be advised for these children and youth to improve QoL.