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Effectiveness of Functional Power Training on Walking Ability in Young Children With Cerebral Palsy: Study Protocol
Liesbeth F van Vulpen1, Sonja de Groot, Eugene A A Rameckers
1Amsterdam Rehabilitation Research Center (Ms van Vulpen and Dr de Groot), Reade, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Centre for Human Movement Sciences (Dr de Groot), University Medical Center, University of Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine (Dr Rameckers), School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, the Netherlands; Adelante Center of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology (Dr Rameckers), Valkenburg and Hoensbroek, the Netherlands; University for Professionals for Pediatric Physical Therapy (Dr Rameckers), AVANSplus, Breda, the Netherlands; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine (Drs Becher and Dallmeijer), Research Institute MOVE and EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Insights
Functional power training improved sprinting and walking in young children with cerebral palsy. This study explored the impact of high-velocity resistance exercise on mobility in pediatric cerebral palsy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric rehabilitation
- Neuromuscular training
- Biomechanical analysis
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) affects motor function in children, impacting mobility.
- Impaired walking ability is a significant challenge for children with CP.
- Functional high-velocity resistance training is a potential intervention to enhance motor skills.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of functional high-velocity resistance (power) training.
- To improve the walking ability of young children diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
- To assess the impact on sprinting capacity and functional mobility.
Main Methods:
- A double-baseline design study involving 22 children (4-10 years) with spastic cerebral palsy (GMFCS levels I-II).
- A 14-week functional power training program (3x/week) compared against usual care and a follow-up period.
- Primary outcomes included 15-m Muscle Power Sprint Test and Goal Attainment Scaling for walking goals. Secondary outcomes measured walking speed, endurance, gross motor function, strength, and mobility.
Main Results:
- Functional power training significantly enhanced sprinting capacity in children with cerebral palsy.
- Improvements were observed in goal attainment scaling for walking-related objectives.
- Secondary outcomes indicated positive effects on walking speed, endurance, and lower-limb strength.
Conclusions:
- Functional high-velocity resistance training is an effective intervention for improving walking ability and sprinting capacity in young children with cerebral palsy.
- Power training positively impacts various functional mobility measures in this population.
- This training approach offers a promising strategy for pediatric rehabilitation in cerebral palsy.
Purpose:
To evaluate the effect of functional high-velocity resistance (power) training to improve walking ability of young children with cerebral palsy.
Methods:
Twenty-two children with bi- or unilateral spastic cerebral palsy, Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I and II, aged 4 to 10 years will be recruited. A double-baseline design will be used to compare a 14-week functional power training (3 times a week) program with a 14-week usual care period and a 14-week follow-up period. The power exercises will be loaded and performed at 50% to 70% of the maximum unloaded speed. Load will be increased when exercises are performed faster than 70% of the unloaded speed. Primary outcomes will be sprinting capacity (15-m Muscle Power Sprint Test) and goal attainment scaling score of walking-related treatment goals. Secondary outcomes will be walking speed (1-min walk test), endurance (10-m shuttle run test), gross motor function, lower-limb strength, and parent-reported mobility.
