Article

The aim of this study was to investigate whether individualized resistance
training improves the physical mobility of young people with cerebral palsy (CP).
METHOD: Forty-eight participants with spastic diplegic CP (26 males, 22 females;
mean age 18y 1mo, SD 1y 11mo) classified as level II or III on the Gross Motor
Function Classification System were allocated randomly to progressive resistance
training or usual-care control. Resistance training was completed twice weekly
for 12 weeks at a community gymnasium under the supervision of a physiotherapist.
Exercises were based on instrumented gait analysis and targeted muscles
contributing to walking difficulties. Outcomes at 12 weeks and 24 weeks included
objective measures of mobility (6-min walk test, instrumented gait analysis, and
Gross Motor Function Measure dimensions D and E), participant-rated measures of
mobility (Functional Mobility Scale and Functional Assessment Questionnaire), and
muscle performance. RESULTS: The strength of targeted muscles increased by 27%
(95% CI 8-46%) compared with control group. There were no between-group
differences in any objective measure of mobility at 12 weeks (6-min walk test:
mean difference 0.1m; 95% CI -21 to 21m) or at 24 weeks. Participant-rated
mobility improved (Functional Mobility Scale at 5m: mean 0.6 units; 95% CI
0.1-1.1 units; Functional Assessment Questionnaire: 0.8 units; 95% CI 0.1-1.6
units) compared with control group at 12 weeks. INTERPRETATION: Individualized
progressive resistance training increased strength in adolescents and young
adults with spastic diplegic CP. Despite participant-rated benefits, the
increased strength did not result in objective improvements in mobility.
CI - (c) 2013 Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS