The effect of feedback respiratory training on pulmonary function of children with cerebral palsy

This study aimed to examine the effect of feedback respiratory training on pulmonary function of children with cerebral palsy. Twenty-two children with cerebral palsy were separated at random into two groups: the experimental group (feedback respiratory training) and the control group. Feedback respiratory training and comprehensive rehabilitation therapy were performed by children in the experimental group. Comprehensive rehabilitation therapy was performed by children in the control group. Children in both groups were given training three times per week for a period of four weeks. Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume at one second, peak expiratory flow, vital capacity, tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume and expiratory reserve volume were assessed prior to and after four weeks training period. Significant improvements in pulmonary function were seen after training in the experimental group (P < 0.05). Greater gains were exhibited by the experimental group than in the control group (P 0.05).

The study found participation in feedback respiratory training to result in improvement of the pulmonary function of children with cerebral palsy.