ABSTRACT

Aims: This study aims to compare the total heart beat index (THBI) in evaluating energy efficiency between using a manual wheelchair and walking for children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: The energy efficiency was measured in 21 participants with CP (mean age, 13.6 ± 3.4 years) who walk or drive a manual wheelchair using a square course. THBI was calculated as total number of heart beats during the exercise period/total distance traveled.

Results: Significant differences in the THBI were observed between Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III and IV (p = .049, effect size = 1.60). No significant differences in THBI were observed between GMFCS levels II and III or between GMFCS levels II and IV (p > .05).

Conclusions: The energy efficiency of children with CP who use a manual wheelchair in this study was equal to or better than that for walking.

摘要

目的：本研究旨在比较在使用手动轮椅和脑瘫儿童（CP）步行之间评估能效时的总心跳指数（THBI）。

方法：对21名CP参与者（平均年龄13.6±3.4岁）通过方形路线行走或驾驶手动轮椅的能量效率进行了测量。THBI计算为运动期间的心跳总数/行进总距离。

结果：在总运动功能分类系统（GMFCS）的III级和IV级之间观察到THBI的显着差异（p = .049，效应量= 1.60）。在GMFCS II级和III级之间或GMFCS II级和IV级之间没有观察到THBI的显着差异（p > .05）。

结论：本研究中使用手动轮椅的CP儿童的能量效率等于或优于步行儿童。