Swimming training program for children with cerebral palsy: body perceptions, problem behaviour, and competence

Percept Mot Skills. 2007 Dec;105(3 Pt 1):777-87. doi: 10.2466/pms.105.3.777-787.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a 14-week swimming training program on the competence, problem behaviour, and body awareness in 13 children with cerebral palsy aged 5 to 10 years, compared with 10 subjects in a comparison group. Both of the groups continued a traditional rehabilitation program. The outcome measures were Child Behaviour Check List (CBCL) and Body Awareness. The parent forms were evaluated before and after training and also at 6 months followup. Teacher forms and body awareness were evaluated before and after training. The results showed that swimming training produced significant gain on body awareness in the Swimming Group, whereas no significant group differences were evident in competence and problem behaviours on parent or teacher forms of the CBCL.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Athletic Performance / physiology
  • Awareness
  • Body Image*
  • Cerebral Palsy / psychology*
  • Cerebral Palsy / rehabilitation*
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / diagnosis
  • Child Behavior Disorders / therapy*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Educational Status*
  • Family Health
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Competency
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Parents / psychology
  • Personality Inventory
  • Physical Education and Training / methods*
  • Self Concept*
  • Swimming / education*
  • Swimming / physiology*
  • Teaching