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Supported running benefits kids with cerebral palsy, study shows

In a groundbreaking initiative, children with cerebral palsy (CP) demonstrated remarkable improvements in enhanced cardiovascular fitness and mobility after participating in a study involving frame running, the University of Queensland News reported. Frame running involves using a wheeled frame with a saddle and body support, and was developed to assist people with CP or related neuromuscular disorders.

“The athlete steers the structure using his/her hands or arms,” the website explains. “Athletes can run long distances in a secure and stable bike-like structure. It gives the athletes the opportunity to move freely on their feet without the risk of falling.”

The Run4HealthCP program, led by Dr. Sarah Reedman at the University of Queensland, is focused on children aged 8 to 21 with CP. In a 12-week randomized frame running trial, participants with walking difficulties used the frames, showcasing the potential of this sport, which is slated for inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games. Children participated in two 60-minute frame-running sessions weekly.

CP is the most common physical disability in childhood, and more than 600 children are diagnosed annually in Australia (the disease impacts two out of every 1,000 children annually in Canada).

Improved endurance and cardiovascular fitness

The outcomes of the clinical trial revealed remarkable improvements across a variety of health-related areas. Participants not only demonstrated increased endurance in running, but also quicker heart rate recovery, indicating improved cardiovascular health—a critical factor, given that individuals with CP face a threefold heightened risk of cardiovascular disease-related mortality compared to the general population. This statistic, unfortunately, has remained unchanged for three decades, making innovations like frame running crucial for the community.

“The improvements we’ve found so far in the clinical trial have been really interesting and across a number of different areas of health and wellbeing,” Dr. Reedman said. “We have seen that the athletes can not only run for longer, but their heart rate also returned to normal more quickly, which is really important because it shows the heart is healthy.”

Enhanced quality of life

Beyond the physical aspects, the study illuminated substantial improvements in participants’ quality of life. The ability to walk faster suggested improved movement efficiency, potentially reducing the physical toll on individuals with CP.

“We found the participants could walk faster, which shows we could potentially improve efficiency of movement,” Dr Reedman said. “It would make a big difference to people’s quality of life, because walking is very taxing on the body for people with CP, so if they’re using less energy, they’ll be less fatigued.”

The study also underscored the positive psychological impact of exercise on physical functioning and daily activities, especially considering that high-intensity exercise is often inaccessible to individuals with high support needs. The Run4Health program had initially catered to 12 participants, but has since expanded to over 100.

The program’s success has opened avenues for further research, with plans to include assessments of bone density and gross motor function. Operating across six sites in Australia, the initiative marks a significant stride toward empowering individuals with CP and transforming perceptions around accessibility and physical activity.

A similar study has been ongoing in Canada. The CCPSA, in collaboration with the Conductive Education Academy and the Ontario Cerebral Palsy Sports Association, delivered a pilot program to introduce frame running in the Greater Toronto Area in 2021. The CCPSA is in discussions with Athletics Canada to help develop an athlete pathway for frame running in Canada.