Effects of voluntary exercise on muscle structure and function in cerebral palsy

Skeletal muscles are required for functional movement and force production. While it is clear that cerebral palsy (CP) results in loss of muscle strength and bodily function, and that much of this loss is caused by injury to the central nervous system, muscle is a very plastic tissue that is also dramatically affected. In many studies, it is assumed that voluntary exercise will cause the muscle to respond in the same way that typically developing muscle does, but there are scarce data demonstrating that this is true. The purpose of this review is to briefly describe muscle architectural adaptation to various forms of exercise with specific reference to voluntary exercise performed in children with CP. Exercise itself is not generic but can vary by intensity, duration, and the exact nature of the muscle length change and velocity imposed during the exercise. Our goal is to stimulate discussion in this area by pointing out salient experimental variables and, ultimately, to improve activity and participation in children with CP.