Mechanical efficiency in bicycle ergometer work of young adults with cerebral palsy

This study used a method specifically adapted to motor handicap, one which measured pedaling rate and basal oxygen consumption. Its aim was to investigate whether bicycle ergometer work could distinguish any difference in mechanical efficiency between two groups with cerebral palsy. 10 patients aged between 18 and 30 years (six dyskinetic/ataxic, four spastic) were studieed. Six non-handicapped young adults formed a control gorup. The results showed a highly significant difference between the dyskinetic/ataxic group and the spastic group. Results for the dyskinetic/ataxic group and the control group did not differ significantly from those obtained for normal population. The observed difference between the two groups with cerebral palsy seems to be the result of the greater amount of energy required to be expended by the spastic group in order to overcome the constant increase in muscle tone during the bicycle egometer test.