Effects of task-specific training on functional ability in children with mild to moderate cerebral palsy

Objective: To examine the relationship between Five times sit-to-stand Test (FTSST) and functional tests and investigate the effects of task-specific training on functional ability in children with mild to moderate cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: Twenty-one subjects were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Motor Assessment Scale (MAS: sit-to-stand), Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Functional Reach Test and FTSST were tested before training, after training and at follow-up at 6 weeks post training. Results: FTSST correlated significantly with MAS (=-0.733) and with PBS (=-0.813) in all children with CP. There were no significant differences in all outcomes between groups. However, FTSST and MAS in children with Gross Motor Function Classification System-Expanded and Revised levels I-II were significantly different between pre and post training within the experimental group (p=0.03). Conclusions: FTSST is a reliable and valid functional outcome measure after the task-specific training in children with mild to moderate CP.