Training programs for children: literature review

IntroductionTraining programs are increasingly being prescribed for occupational therapy for adults affected by chronic illness and/or handicap, but their use is more recent for children and teenagers.ObjectiveA review of the literature to synthesize information concerning training programs for children, whether healthy or with disease or handicap, considering the target population, methodology, the results and limitations.MethodsWe searched the Medline database with use of the key words retraining, training, training programs, physical activity, physical training, fitness program, sport, children, disability, and handicap. We also searched references of the selected articles for appropriate studies.Discussion/conclusionPhysical activity seems to be a good means of primary preventing adverse health in the healthy child and secondary prevention in children with chronic disease or handicap. Thus, training programs could be adapted and integrated into the global treatment of sick or handicapped children in the health care situation or in the home. These programs are feasible and do not undermine children's health, but few studies have shown clear data on the methods of the programs. The suggested training programs, not always validated, included two to five sessions from 30 to 60 min/week, for 6–16 weeks, of variable activity and intensity, adapted to the condition and the objectives of therapy. Training programs adapted to children should be validated to allow their accessibility by health care professionals dealing with children with chronic disease and/or handicap.