Meta-analysis of intensive training for adolescents and children with cerebral palsy

Objective To evaluate the effect of intensive training on patients with cerebral palsy by meta-analysis. Methods We searched paper published from January 2008 to January 2018 through PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Chinese Journal Full-text Database (CNKI), Wanfang Database, VIP databases etc. The literatures were evaluated according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then we extracted original data from the included papers and meta-analysis was performed by software Rev-Man 5.3. Results Finally, 12 studies published in English were included, with a total of 452 cases. The age range of children was 4.2 to 18.6 years old. Ten days to 24 weeks of intensive training could increase the walking distance within 6 minutesSMD=0.52, 95% CI(-0.11, 0.94), P=0.01, but it could not improve the gross motor function in children with cerebral palsySMD=0.11, 95% CI (-0.17, 0.39), P=0.45 and the walking speed of 10 metersSMD=0.45, 95% CI (-0.05, 0.95), P=0.08. Conclusion Intensive training has a certain effect in improving walking function of adolescents and children with cerebral palsy.