Article

The aim of this study was to analyse the feasibility and reliability of the
tests used to determine muscle strength, sprint power, and aerobic capacity in
athletes and non-athletes with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods Twenty individuals
with spastic CP (four females, 16 males; age range 18-49y; Gross Motor Function
Classification System level I, n=15; II, n=5; unilateral CP, n=10; bilateral CP,
n=10; athletes, n=12; non-athletes, n=8) participated in the study. Isometric and
isokinetic knee flexor and extensor strength, sprint power, and aerobic capacity
were determined, using, respectively an isokinetic dynamometer, a Wingate cycling
test, and a graded maximal bicycle exercise test, on three occasions. Intraclass
correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurements, and smallest
detectable differences (SDD) were calculated. Results The feasibility of the
isometric strength test, Wingate test, and graded exercise test was good; the
isokinetic strength test was difficult to perform for five participants. The
strength parameters showed moderate to good ICCs (isometric, 0.74-0.94;
isokinetic, 0.88-0.93) but high SDDs (isometric, 25-45%; isokinetic, 30-45%).
Sprint power (ICC 0.98; SDD 24%) and aerobic capacity (ICC 0.98-0.99; SDD 16-21%)
showed good ICCs and moderate SDDs. Interpretation All tests, except for the
isokinetic strength test, seemed to be feasible for almost all participants. All
tests are suitable for evaluating changes in a group; however, only large
improvements (16-45%) can be detected when monitoring individual changes.
CI - (c) The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (c) 2012 Mac Keith
Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS