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Updated: May 18, 2026
Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability
Published on: September 18, 2020
Changes in muscle activation following ankle strength training in children with spastic cerebral palsy: an
Jamie E Olsen1, Sandy A Ross, Matthew H Foreman
1Human Performance Laboratory, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine Program in Occupational Therapy, 5240 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA.
Insights
Strength training improved muscle activation and strength in children with cerebral palsy (CP). However, improvements in daily activities measured by the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) were limited.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often face challenges in daily activities and motor function.
- Previous studies show strength training benefits spastic CP, but electromyography (EMG) changes during functional tasks remain understudied.
Observation:
- This case report investigated EMG activity in dorsiflexor and plantarflexor muscles during specific Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) items in two children with CP.
- Plantarflexor strength training was administered to assess its impact on muscle activation and functional performance.
Findings:
- The study observed increased plantarflexor strength and improved selective muscle activation post-training.
- Limited carryover of these improvements to overall GMFM item performance was noted.
Implications:
- Using EMG during GMFM item performance is a feasible method to assess motor control changes after strength training in children with CP.
- Further research is needed to understand how to enhance functional outcome transfer from targeted strength interventions.
Abstract:
ABSTRACT Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are likely to experience decreased participation in activities and less competence in activities of daily living. Studies of children with spastic CP have shown that strengthening programs produce positive results in strength, gait, and functional outcomes (measured by the Gross Motor Function Measure). No investigations have analyzed electromyography (EMG) activity before and after strength training to determine whether any changes occur in the GMFM. This feasibility case report quantified dorsiflexor and plantarflexor muscle activation changes during performance of 3-5 selected GMFM items following a plantarflexor strength training in two children with cerebral palsy. Increased plantarflexor strength and increased ability to selectively activate muscles were found. Little carryover to performance on GMFM items was observed. It is feasible to use EMG during performance on selected GMFM items to evaluate motor control changes following strength training in children with CP.
