Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
Author Spotlight: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Movement Observation in Cerebral Palsy
Published on: August 9, 2024
Plyometric training: effectiveness and optimal duration for children with unilateral cerebral palsy
Barbara A Johnson1, Charles Salzberg, Bruce A MacWilliams
1Shriners Hospitals for Children-Salt Lake City (Drs Johnson, MacWilliams, Shuckra, and D'Astous), Salt Lake City, Utah; Department of Orthopedics (Drs MacWilliams and D'Astous), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation (Dr Salzberg), Utah State University, Logan, Utah.
Insights
Plyometric training enhanced gross motor ability, agility, and upper extremity power in boys with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Optimal training duration varied individually, ranging from 8 to 14 weeks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric rehabilitation
- Neuromuscular training
- Sports science
Background:
- Unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP) significantly impacts gross motor abilities in children.
- Plyometric training is a potent method for enhancing neuromuscular function and power.
- Evidence for plyometric training's effects on gross motor skills in pediatric USCP populations is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the optimal duration and effects of plyometric training on gross motor abilities in boys with USCP.
- To assess changes in agility, running speed, and power following plyometric interventions.
Main Methods:
- A multiple-baseline, single-subject experimental design was employed.
- Intervention followed National Strength and Conditioning Association guidelines for youth.
- Evaluations included the Gross Motor Function Measure 66 (GMFM-66), sprint tests, broad jump, and vertical jump.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in upper extremity power, GMFM-66 scores, and agility.
- Results for lower extremity power and running speed were inconsistent across participants.
- Training duration varied between 8 and 14 weeks for optimal outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Plyometric training is an effective intervention for improving gross motor ability, agility, and upper extremity power in boys with USCP.
- Individualized treatment duration, based on capacity, task, and outcome measures, is recommended.
- Further research is warranted to explore optimal plyometric protocols for pediatric cerebral palsy.
Purpose:
To evaluate the optimal duration and effects of plyometric training on the gross motor abilities of 3 boys with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (9 years 11 months, 10 years, and 8 years 9 months).
Methods:
This was a multiple-baseline, multiple-probe, single-subject experiment. The intervention followed the National Strength and Conditioning Association's guidelines for youth. The Gross Motor Function Measure 66, 10×5-m sprint, 20-m run, throw ball, broad jump, and vertical jump tests were used to evaluate gross motor abilities, agility, running speed, and power.
Results:
Improvements were found in upper extremity power, Gross Motor Function Measure 66 scores, and agility. Findings for lower extremity power and running speed were inconsistent. Training duration ranged from 8 to 14 weeks.
Conclusions:
This study suggests that plyometric training improves gross motor ability, agility, and upper extremity power in boys with unilateral cerebral palsy. Treatment duration should be determined by an individual's capacity, the task, and the outcome measure.
More Related Videos
08:26Event-related Potentials During Target-response Tasks to Study Cognitive Processes of Upper Limb Use in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy
Published on: January 11, 2016
05:04Enhancing the Development and Growth of Infant Cerebral Palsy Rats Using Selective Spinal Manipulations
Published on: February 2, 2024