Low Choy, Nancy, Isles, Rosemary, Barker, Ruth, and Nitz, Jennifer (2003) The efficacy of a work-station intervention program to improve functional ability and flexibility in ageing clients with Cerebral Palsy: a pilot study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 25 (21). pp. 1201-1207.

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Abstract

Purpose: health care workers associated with the long-term care of ageing clients with Cerebral Palsy have reported on the adverse effects of less active daily activity programmes with resultant decreased functional mobility. While the negative effects of ageing have been reported in these clients, programmes have not been implemented to determine whether these adverse changes can be reversed or prevented. The efficacy of a work-station intervention programme to improve functional ability and flexibility in ageing clients with cerebral palsy was investigated.

Method: a clinical intervention study using repeated measures (pre/post-intervention and at follow-up) to evaluate efficacy was undertaken. Twenty-two clients with Cerebral Palsy participated in a twice-weekly work-station programme delivered over 8 weeks. The Physical Mobility Scale items, two upper limb function measures, range limitation of hip and knee extension and gleno-humeral movement were assessed.

Results: results showed a significant improvement that was retained at follow-up in functional but not flexibility measures.

Conclusion: the efficacy of a work-station exercise programme for ageing clients with Cerebral Palsy was demonstrated. Evidence was provided that the PMS is effective in showing level of dependency for these clients.

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