Motor-based priming: isokinetic outcomes of aerobic exercise in children with spastic diplegia

Introduction Priming is a behavioural change generated by preceding stimuli. Priming physical activities with aerobic exercise could improve performance and function. The study aimed to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise before a rehabilitation program on quadriceps peak torque in children with cerebral palsy of spastic diplegia. Methods Overall, 32 patients participated in this study; they were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Patients in the control group (A) engaged in a selected physical therapy program, while those in the experimental group (B) performed aerobic exercise by using a bicycle ergometer followed by application of the same selected physical therapy program as received by group A. The treatment programs were conducted 3 times per week for 12 successive weeks. Measurements obtained included concentric peak torque of quadriceps muscle at 30° as well as 90°. These measures were recorded 2 times: before and after the application of the treatment program. Results There were statistically significant differences when comparing pre- and post-treatment mean values in each group. Also, there was a significant difference in favour of group B with regard to post-treatment mean values. Conclusions In accordance with the applied procedures, aerobic exercise is effective in improving quadriceps peak torque in children with cerebral palsy of spastic diplegia when applied before a physical therapy rehabilitation program.