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NCHPAD - Building Healthy Inclusive Communities

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NCHPAD Research Corner: Strength Training for Persons with Cerebral Palsy


Research Abstract: Strength Training in Young People with Cerebral Palsy
Dodd, K. J., Taylor, N. F., & Graham, H. K. (2003). A randomized clinical trial of strength training in young people with cerebral palsy. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 45, 652-657.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if a home-based strength-training program could improve the lower-limb muscle strength and daily physical activity functioning of young people with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

Participants: Twenty-one people between 8 and 18 years (11 females and 10 males) with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy who ambulated independently with or without an assistive aid were randomized into a strength training group (11 participants) or control group (10 participants).

Method: Participants in the strength training group completed three sets of 8 to 10 repetitions of each exercise three times a week for 20 to 30 minutes each session for 6 weeks, and those in the control group resumed normal activities. Participants in both groups were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 18 weeks.

Results: Only the strength training group improved in various motor skills including walking, running, jumping, and stair climbing.

Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that participation in a home-based strength training program can be instrumental in improving performance on various motor tasks in children with cerebral palsy. Incorporating a strength training program at home requires simple, inexpensive equipment, parental supervision, and, if necessary, consultation with a physical therapist.

Read the complete abstract at http://www.ncpad.org/262/1681/A~randomized~clinical~trial~of~strength~training~in~young~
people~with~cerebral~palsy
.


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