Bone Abstracts

Objectives: To explore the benefits of a group circuit therapy programme for children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) who have been identified as having functional difficulties resulting from hypermobility, reduced muscle strength, poor cardiovascular (CV) fitness and lack of engagement in physical education.

Methods: 16 families were contacted to ascertain interest and preference on frequency and location for a proposed therapy group. Subsequently ten children (age range 5–13 years) participated in a 6 week movement group. Weekly 90 min sessions comprised of stations set up to replicate functional tasks which included a combination of CV fitness, strengthening, balance and fine motor tasks. Muscle strength (via hand held dynamometer), balance subscale scores (Bruininks-Oseretsky test of motor proficiency), cardiovascular fitness (difference in heart rate pre and post a 3-minute step test), number of sit ups and number of beads threaded in 1 min were collected at baseline (week 1) and following intervention (week 6). Feedback questionnaires were sent out to all participants and parents/carers at 6 weeks.

Results: Full baseline and post-intervention scores were available for five children. Mean number of sit ups completed in 1 minute improved by 100% (5 vs 10). Mean difference in heart rate (HR) before and after step test at baseline compared with post intervention was 30 beats per minute vs nine beats per minute. This drop in HR indicates a 70% improvement in CV fitness. Feedback questionnaires were received from 7/10 families including those that competed pre and post measures. These reported that 6/10 children were more active following attendance. All parents/carers appreciated the accessibility of the group and reported that their children were more confident with exercise. Post group feedback from children indicated they all felt fitter and stronger.

Conclusions: A 6 week circuit training therapy programme showed measureable improvements in fitness and core strength in children with OI. Results suggest this approach may have a range of benefits for children with OI, including improved exercise tolerance and participation in general. Further research is indicated to support these findings.

Disclosure: The authors declared no competing interests.