Changes in self-concept, cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength of children with spina bifida aged 8 to 13 years in response to a 10-week physical-activity programme: a pilot study.

The purposes of this study were to document the self-concept, cardiovascular endurance and isometric muscular strength of children with spina bifida, and to examine the changes in these variables in response to a structured 10-week exercise programme. Eight children trained for about 1 hour a week for 10 weeks, while the five control-group children did not participate in the physical-activity programme. The exercise group improved significantly on five of eight criterion means, while the control group showed no significant improvements. This programme represents an initial attempt to delineate the essential elements in a physical-activity programme to enhance physical fitness and self-concepts of children with spina bifida, and provides a framework for further study.