Effects of Inspiratory Muscle and Balance Training in Children with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle and balance training on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength (RMS), functional capacity, and balance in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Thirty children with hemiplegic CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System I-II) included in this study. The control group (n = 15) underwent conventional physiotherapy rehabilitation program (CPRP) that included balance exercises, and the training group's (n = 15) program included inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in addition to CPRP for 8 weeks. The outcome measures were pulmonary function test, RMS measurement, the six-minute walk test (6MWT), and balance tests. There were no significant differences in the score changes of pulmonary function, balance, and 6MWT distance between groups (p > .05), whereas maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure further increased in the training group (p > .05). RMS assessment and the identification of children who need it, and adding IMT to CPRP will contribute greatly to the rehabilitative approach of children with CP.