NCPAD:Research: Physical Training in Children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

Physical Training in Children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Van Brussel, M., Takken, T., Uiterwaal, C., Pruijs, H. J., Van der Net, J., Helders, P. J. M., et al. (2008). Physical training in children with osteogenesis imperfecta. Journal of Pediatrics, 152, 111-116.

Purpose:
To study the effects of a physical activity program on exercise capacity, muscle force, and subjective fatigue levels in children with mild to moderate forms of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI).

Participants:
Thirty-four children from 8 to 18 years of age were randomly assigned to either 12 weeks of graded exercise intervention or usual care.

Method:
Supervised exercise occurred 2 times per week for 45 minutes, with an additional home-based session beginning at 6 weeks. Exercise intervention included a 10-minute warm-up, 10 minutes of aerobic training at 60%-80% peak heart rate, 15 minutes of free play, 10 minutes of aerobic training, and a 10-minute cool-down, as well as strength training with light weights.

Outcomes were measured at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months, and included the following:

Exercise capacity (VO2peak) using the Godfrey cycle ergometer protocol;
Maximal working capacity (Wmax) during the Godfrey cycle ergometer protocol;
Muscle force of 4 muscle groups using a dynamometer;
Subjective fatigue using the Checklist Individual Strength-20 (CIS-20);
Perceived competence using the Self-perception Profile for Children (CBSK);
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using the Child Health Questionnaire Parent-Form 50 (CHQ).

Results:
VO2peak, relative VO2peak, Wmax, and muscle force were significantly improved by 17%, 18%, 10%, and 12%, respectively, compared to the control group. Subjective fatigue decreased significantly. At 6 months follow-up, there was still a significant decrease in VO2peak, but relative VO2peak and maximal working capacity as well as subjective fatigue showed no significant difference. At 9 months, there was a further decrease in the previously gained improvements.

Discussion:
A supervised exercise-training program can safely and effectively improve aerobic capacity and muscle force in children with OI as well as decrease levels of subjective fatigue.

This fact sheet was last updated on 01-07-2009.