Effect of yoga exercises on physical fitness and functional independence in activities of daily life in children with cerebral palsy

A total of 34 hemiparetic and diparetic children with CP, 18 girls and 16 boys, aged between 6-18, were included in this study, which was conducted to investigate the effect of yoga treatment on physical fitness and functional independence in daily living activities in children with CP. The children were divided into two groups: treatment and control groups. There were 17 children in both groups. In the control group, a classical physical therapy program, sports and art activities were applied, and in the yoga group, a yoga exercise program was applied in addition to the classical physical therapy program. Flamingo balance test, sit and reach test, arm movement speed measurement, grip strength test, running speed test, anthropometric measurements, shuttle test, and rapid stair climbing test were used to determine the physical fitness of the children. Pediatric Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM) was used to evaluate activities of daily living. Additionally, six-minute walk test and one-minute walk test were used to evaluate cardiovascular endurance. Children in the treatment and control groups were treated with a physiotherapist for a total of 16 sessions, 2 days a week, for 8 weeks. At the end of 8 weeks, pre- and post-treatment evaluations were made in both groups. When we look at the results obtained, when we look at the intra-group comparisons of physical fitness and functional independence in children with CP, significant results were obtained in favor of the yoga group after treatment in both groups (p <0.05). When the groups were compared, it was observed that the treatment group was more effective in all parameters except anthropometric measurements (p <0.05). As a result, in our study, it was seen that yoga exercises applied in addition to the classical physical therapy program had a greater healing effect on physical fitness and functional independence in daily living activities in children with CP. Treatment with yoga can be considered a feasible approach for children with CP.