Physical activity and exercise interventions in adults with cerebral palsy: a systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies

Abstract

Background and purpose

Participating in physical activity may benefit health-related outcomes for adults with cerebral palsy (CP). The aim of this review is to provide a synthesis of the evidence from both qualitative and quantitative studies on the impact of physical activity and exercise interventions in adults with CP.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted from inception to November 2023 in nine electronic databases. A meta-analysis was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of the interventions on walking speed related outcomes and muscle strength.

Results

Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. The interventions of the 9 studies included in the meta-analysis did not improve walking speed over a distance of 10 meters (SMD=-0.03, 95% CI:-0.34-0.40, p=0.88, I2=0%) or endurance (distance covered in 2 or 6 minutes) (SMD=0.25, 95% CI :-0.10-0.59, p=0.16, I2=0%), but there was an improvement in lower limb muscle strength in favour of the experimental groups (SMD =0.59, 95% CI:0.19-0.99, p=0.004. I2=20%). Only a few studies reported on psychosocial outcomes, quality of life or intervention sustainability.

Discussion and Conclusions

Further research is needed to explore the impact on psychosocial outcomes and quality of life in adults with CP and the sustainability of physical activity participation.