Effects of wind tunnel classes on functional status of children with cerebral palsy

Importance. Currently, to improve the functional state of children with cerebral palsy, wind tunnel classes are being started. Being in air flow conditions creates unique conditions for correcting various violations. However, the impact of such activities has hardly been studied. The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of wind tunnel training on motor development performance in autonomic heart rate regulation in children with cerebral palsy.

Materials and Methods. 2 groups of children are examined: the first group consisted of children who did not attend additional extracurricular fitness classes, they are assigned to the comparison group (n = 34), the second group (experimental) consisted of children engaged in wind tunnel flights (n = 8). All children are diagnosed with cerebral palsy: spastic diplegia (G80.1). The average age of the subjects is 8 (7; 12) years. Children of the experimental group studied for 40–60 minutes, 1 once a week, for 6 months. The functional state of the musculoskeletal system (muscle strength and amplitude of movement) and heart rate variability were evaluated.

Results and Discussion. The method of conducting classes in a wind tunnel included 2–3 flights in air flow conditions for 2–3 minutes. Three groups of physical exercises are distinguished in the lesson: the first is focused on adapting to new conditions of body position; the second group of exercises includes tactile interaction with the mesh surface of the wind tunnel; third – static locking in horizontal position, longitudinal, linear and non-linear rotations, independent flight. In addition to improving muscle strength and amplitude of movement in the joints, the study demonstrates a significant effect of wind tunnel exercises on heart rate variability in children with cerebral palsy.

Conclusion. The data obtained indicate an increase in the adaptive capabilities of the cardiovascular system and an improvement in the autonomic regulation of heart rhythm in children with cerebral palsy who fly in a wind tunnel during regular training.

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