Physiological capacities of individuals with cerebral palsy

The physical work capacity (PWC) and the physiological response to stimulated tasks of nine ambulatory individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) were studied. Energy demand for each work task was determined by percentage of PWC (%PWC). Results demonstrated significant differences in energy demand attributed to frequency and mode of lift regardless of gender. No significant difference for energy demand, however, was seen for load lifted. The %PWC for several tasks was near or above the accepted limit for an eight-hour workday, suggesting that the subjects were performing close to their physical limits or higher and would possibly experience fatigue before the eight-hour workday ended. The results also indicated that the PWC of subjects in this study was inferior to that of their nondisabled peers.