Lower limb strength training in children with cerebral palsy – a randomized controlled trial protocol for functional strength training based on progressive resistance exercise principles

Abstract

Background: Until recently, strength training in children with cerebral palsy (CP) was considered to be inappropriate, because it could lead to increased spasticity or abnormal movement patterns. However, the results of recent studies suggest that progressive strength training can lead to increased strength and improved function, but low methodological quality and incomplete reporting on the training protocols hampers adequate interpretation of the results. This paper describes the design and training protocol of a randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of a school-based progressive functional strength training program for children with CP.

Botulinum toxin-A with and without rehabilitation for the treatment of spastic cerebral palsy

“…Rehabilitation has also been shown to relieve spasms as patients learn correct posture and movement, generating correct movement patterns in the brain and developing their gross motor function. 26,27 Patients in the present study maintained motor function even after BTX-A efficacy ceased (5-6 months post-block). Others have shown that muscle spasms in children with cerebral palsy were significantly reduced (compared with baseline) at 3 months after BTX injection, but not at 6 months.…”

Can Functional Eccentric Muscle Control Remedies Balance Ability in Children with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy

“…The weakness of the hip abductors and extensors muscles as well as the knee extensors lead to reduced hip and knee joint movement in the sagittal plane restricting the patient's gait Berry et al [16][17][18].…”

Capacity to Participation in Cerebral Palsy: Evidence of an Indirect Path Via Performance

“…Three decision items were used to determine which of the 4 item sets to administer with the GMFM-66 score then calculated using the Gross Motor Ability Estimator software. 19 Walking activity capacity was examined with the 1-minute walk test (1MWT), 20,21 and was chosen to ensure that walking capacity could be obtained across all ambulatory GMFCS levels. The 1MWT was performed on a flat, nonslippery surface over a 10-m oval track.…”