Effect of a lower-limb PRE strength-training program on physical functioning in children with cerebral palsy

Children with CP experience limitations in activities and participation, which is mainly caused by impairments in muscle function. Not only spasticity contributes to impaired muscle function, but also muscle weakness can be regarded as a serious denominator of impaired muscle function. Strength training is therefore expected to reduce limitations in activities of children with CP who will encounter life long disability.
The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of a strength-training program on physical functioning in children with CP.

We hypothesize that children who will follow this structured functional PRE strength training program will increase in muscle strength, which accordingly will lead to functional improvement in physical functioning, but with no negative effect increasing spasticity or decreasing range of motion, compared to children receiving usual care.

To evaluate the effectiveness of the training, all children are evaluated before, during, directly after, and 6 weeks after the intervention period.

Using stratified randomization, each child is assigned to an intervention group (strength training) or a control group (usual care).

The strength training is given in groups of 4-5 children, 3 times a week, for a period of 12 weeks. Each training session focusses on four exercises out of a 5-exercise circuit. The exercise are maily functional, aiming at a maximal carry-over into everyday activities. The training load is gradually increased based on the child’s maximum level of strength, as determined by the 8 Repetition Maximum (8RM).