Cardiorespiratory endurance in children with and without cerebral palsy as measured by an ergometer: a case series study

[Purpose] This preliminary study aimed to determine the cardiorespiratory endurance of children with cerebral palsy (CP) using a case series study in order to provide the reference data required for interventions appropriate for South Korean CP sufferers, since aerobic ability evaluation and interventions for children with CP are not well recognized in South Korea. [Subjects and Methods] Four children and adolescents with CP GMFCS (Gross Motor Function Classification System) level I and II and two normally developing children (ND) (age: 7–15 years) were studied. Cycle ergometer testing was performed to determine their VO2 peak and RER peak concentrations as well as VE peak and 6MWT distance. [Results] The VO2 peak was lower in subject E (CP) at 44.5 than in subject B (ND), and it was lower in subject A (ND) at 22.9 than in subject C (CP). The 6MWT distance was longer in subjects A and B (ND) than in age-matched CP subjects. [Conclusion] This case report demonstrates that the cardiorespiratory parameters values of CP children were similar to those reported previously. Further research is required to evaluate the normative values of CP and the optimal cardiorespiratory parameters.