Pia Ödman ^A1 and Birgitta Öberg ^A1
A1 Department of Health and Society, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
DOI: 10.1080/16501970510032622

Objectives: To compare the short-term effectiveness of 1 intensive training period in child and youth rehabilitation with Move&Walk conductive education and describe the effects of 1 intensive training period in terms of changes at 1 year. The amount and influence of additional consumption of training during the 1-year follow-up was also analysed. Design: Quasi-experimental with 2 groups: Lemo (n =23) and Move&Walk (n =29). Patients: A total of 52 children with cerebral palsy, age range 3–16 years. Methods: Data included repeated measures with Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory–Functional Skills (PEDI-FS). Data on additional consumption of training was collected at the 1-year follow-up. Results: There was no difference in proportion of change on the clinical measures between the training programmes, except for a higher proportion of improvement on the GMFM total score in Lemo. At the group level, small improvements were shown on GMFM and PEDI FS in the short-term and on PEDI FS only at 1 year. A higher proportion of children who participated in repeated intensive training periods showed improved social functioning. Conclusion: No major differences were shown between the 2 training programmes. One intensive training period facilitated small improvements in gross motor function. The majority of children had a high consumption of training during the 1-year follow-up and the added value of repeated intensive training periods was limited.