RaceRunning training improves stamina and promotes skeletal muscle hypertrophy in young individuals with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Background: Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) are less physically active, spend more time sedentary and have lower cardiorespiratory endurance as compared to typically developed individuals. RaceRunning enables highintensity exercise in individuals with CP with limited or no walking ability, using a three-wheeled running bike with a saddle and a chest plate for support, but no pedals. Training adaptations using this type of exercise are unknown. Methods: Fifteen adolescents/young adults (mean age 16, range 9-29, 7 females/8 males) with CP completed 12 weeks, two sessions/week, of RaceRunning training. Measurements of cardiorespiratory endurance (6-min RaceRunning test (6-MRT), average and maximum heart rate, rate of perceived exertion using the Borg scale (Borg-RPE)), skeletal muscle thickness (ultrasound) of the thigh (vastus lateralis and intermedius muscles) and lower leg (medial gastrocnemius muscle) and passive range of motion (pROM) of hip, knee and ankle were collected before and after the training period. Results: Cardiorespiratory endurance increased on average 34% (6-MRT distance; pre 576 ± 320 m vs. post 723 ± 368 m, p < 0.001). Average and maximum heart rate and Borg-RPE during the 6-MRT did not differ pre vs. post training. Thickness of the medial gastrocnemius muscle increased 9% in response to training (p < 0.05) on the more-affected side. Passive hip flexion increased (p < 0.05) on the less-affected side and ankle dorsiflexion decreased (p < 0.05) on the more affected side after 12 weeks of RaceRunning training. Conclusions: These results support the efficacy of RaceRunning as a powerful and effective training modality in individuals with CP, promoting both cardiorespiratory and peripheral adaptations.

Athlete-Perceived Impact of Frame Running on Physical Fitness, Functional Mobility and Psychosocial Outcomes

“…The results of the current survey showed that most participants thought that Frame Running enabled them to exert themselves physically, which supports observations from previous studies ( 15 , 16 ). This potential of Frame Running to enable moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and thereby improve cardiovascular fitness is important, as this level of physical exertion is difficult to achieve during other sports for many individuals with severe mobility impairments.…”

“…Bolster et al ( 15 ) found that adolescents who are moderately-to-severely affected by CP can reach a close-to-maximum heart rate (> 180 bpm) during the 6-min Frame Running test. Similar high-intensity exercise levels (mean heart rate > 65% of age-related maximum heart rate during training) in young people with CP were shown in a 12-week Frame Running training intervention by Hjalmarsson et al ( 16 ). This study also demonstrated improved cardiorespiratory endurance and hypertrophy of the gastrocnemius.…”

Use of Frame Running for Adolescent Athletes With Movement Challenges: Study of Feasibility to Support Health and Participation

“…Our study was set to begin in the winter of 2020. Consistent with previous studies by other investigators (Hjalmarsson et al, 2020), the initial strategy was to have all sessions conducted in person after school. However, fully remote school education for much of the 2020-2021 school year meant that an alternative strategy was required (Egan et al, 2021).…”

Serious Game Platform as a Possibility for Home-Based Telerehabilitation for Individuals With Cerebral Palsy During COVID-19 Quarantine – A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

“…The RPE is based on the sensations felt during exercise, such as muscle fatigue, increased heart rate, and increased breathing ( Andrews et al, 2013 ). The RPE, although subjective, is used in several studies with the CP population ( Maltais et al, 2004 ; Maanum et al, 2010 ; Runciman et al, 2016 ; Hjalmarsson et al, 2020 ) and can be considered a valuable indicator to monitor the tolerance to exercise and signalize imminent fatigue (ACSM).…”