Article

PURPOSE: To examine if individualised resistance training increases the daily
physical activity of adolescents and young adults with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD: Young people with bilateral spastic CP were randomly assigned
to intervention or to usual care. The intervention group completed an individualised lower limb progressive resistance training programme twice a week
for 12 weeks in community gymnasiums. The primary outcome was daily physical
activity (number of steps, and time sitting and lying). Secondary outcomes
included muscle strength measured with a one-repetition maximum (1RM) leg press
and reverse leg press. Outcomes were measured at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks.
RESULTS: From the 36 participants with complete data at 12 weeks, there were no
between-group differences for any measure of daily physical activity. There was a
likely increase in leg press strength in favour of the intervention group (mean
difference 11.8 kg; 95% CI -1.4 to 25.0). No significant adverse events occurred
during training. CONCLUSIONS: A short-term resistance training programme that may
increase leg muscle strength was not effective in increasing daily physical
activity. Other strategies are needed to address the low-daily physical activity
levels of young people with bilateral spastic CP.
Implications for Rehabilitation
Progressive resistance training may increase muscle strength but does not lead to
increases in daily physical activity of young people with bilateral spastic
cerebral palsy (CP) and mild to moderate walking disabilities. Other strategies
apart from or in addition to resistance training are needed to address the low
daily physical activity levels of young people with bilateral spastic CP and mild
to moderate walking disabilities.

Langue : ANGLAIS