Sports Med Rehabil J | Volume 4, Issue 1 | Research Article | Open Access

The Effect of a Functional Progressive Strength Training Program on Mobility of Ambulatory Adolescents and Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy

Chrysagis Nikolaos1, Skordilis Emmanouil2*, Grammatopoulou Eirini1 and Douka Aggeliki2

1Department of Physical Therapy, University of West Attica, Greece
2School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece

*Correspondance to: Skordilis Emmanouil 

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Abstract

The present single blind randomized control trial examined the effect of a school-based functional strength training program of the lower limbs, during the Adapted Physical Education (APE) class, upon the mobility of ambulatory adolescents and young adults with Cerebral Palsy (CP) (GMFCS I-III). The participants, 35 individuals with diplegia and tetraplegia, aging 12 to 19 years old, were allocated in the Experimental and Control Conditions (EC&CC). The EC received their treatment with functional weight bearing exercises, 3 times per week for 10 weeks. Both groups followed their conventional treatment at school. Mobility was assessed with GMFM (D&E), GMFM D, GMFM E, Sit to Stand (STS), Lateral Step Up (LSU) and Time Up and Go (TUG). Secondary outcome variables were isometric strength, passive range of motion and spasticity. The results were significant for GMFM (D&E), GMFM D, GMFM E, STS, LSU, TUG and isometric strength. No adverse effects were found for ROM and spasticity. The findings are discussed in accordance to the conflicting literature, the repetitive tasks throughout the intervention, specificity of functional strength training and the enjoyment experienced during the intervention of the CP adolescents and young adults in the EC.

Keywords:

Cerebral palsy; Strength training; Functional activities; Mobility; Physical therapy; Adapted physical activity

Citation:

Aggeliki D. The Effect of a Functional Progressive Strength Training Program on Mobility of Ambulatory Adolescents and Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy. Sports Med Rehabil J. 2019; 4(1): 1046
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