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To systematically review the literature for evidence of effectiveness of power exercises on physical, physiological, and functional outcomes in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). Methodological quality and evidence synthesis were assessed with using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) Tools and Modified Bakker Scale. Using the International Classification of Functioning (ICF), outcome measures for muscle agriculture, gait, balance, motor function, aerobic/anaerobic fitness, daily living, mobility, and school participation were categorised. The overall RoB of four randomised clinical trials was low, one had some concerns and two were rated as high. Moderate evidence was found that power exercises increased walking speed, activities of daily living, muscle strength, and enhanced gross motor function more than a routine physical therapy program. The lack of stronger evidence for power training interventions to improve muscle architecture, muscle function, walking capacity, and mobility in children with CP might be explained by the differences in training protocols and degree to which these meet the physiological definition of power, different methods of measuring power, limited durations of training, and the relative effectiveness of control interventions. Future studies should include a stronger focus on child and family-centred participation goals. Power training can improve gross motor function, walking speed, muscle strength, and activities of daily living more than routine physical therapy. Results comparing power training versus traditional strength training were less pronounced likely because both are intensive and may have positive effects. More research is needed to investigate effects of power training on participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the study was to examine the effect of Tai Chi on balance and functional mobility in children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss. Methods: The study included 39 children, aged 10–14 years, with congenital sensorineural hearing loss. The participants were divided into three groups as the Tai Chi group, conventional exercise group, and control group. The Tai Chi group and the conventional exercise group received a 1-h exercise program twice a week for 10 weeks. The balance function of the children was assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale, the balance subtest of Bruininks-Oseretsky Test 2-Short Form, and the Functional Reach Test. The Timed Up and Go Test and the Timed Up and Down Stairs Test were used to assess functional mobility. The Wilcoxon rank, Kruskal–Wallis. and Mann–Whitney U-tests were used for statistical analyses. Results: When the pre-training values of the groups were compared, with the exception of the Timed Up and Go test, there was no statistically significant difference with respect to demographic data, balance, and functional mobility parameters (p > 0.05). After training, the overall balance and functional mobility tests improved compared to pre-training values in both the Tai Chi and conventional exercise groups (p < 0.05). When the post-training values were compared between the groups, with the exception of the Functional Reach Test and the Timed Up and Down Stairs Test, the results of both exercise groups were superior to those of the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that Tai Chi and conventional exercise programs have positive effects on balance and functional mobility in children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss. However, no superiority of Tai Chi or the conventional exercise programs was determined over the other. Both Tai Chi and conventional exercise programs could be used to improve balance and functional mobility in children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss. Tai Chi and conventional exercises are effective on balance in children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss. Tai Chi and conventional exercises are effective on functional mobility in children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss. Tai Chi may be added to the rehabilitation program for children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]