Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2025
Author Spotlight: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Movement Observation in Cerebral Palsy
Published on: August 9, 2024
Translating scientific recommendations into reality: a feasibility study using group-based high-intensity functional
Alice Minghetti1, Michèle Widmer2, Elke Viehweger2,3
1Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Purpose:
To examine the feasibility and effects of a functional high-intensity exercise intervention performed in a group-setting on functionality, cardiovascular health and physical performance in adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP).
Methods:
Ten adolescents with a diagnosis of CP (2 females; 16.6 ± 3.4 years; GMFCS: I-II) participated in a 12-week training intervention, containing progressive resistance training using free weights and high-intensity workouts twice a week. The six-minute walking test, arterial stiffness and physical performance (strength and power tests) were measured before and after the intervention.
Results:
No adverse events were reported. We measured small increases in the six-minute walking test (Δ = 28.8 m, 95% CI [-1.78;52.7]; g = 0.34 [-0.04;0.72]) and a small reduction in arterial stiffness (Δ = -4.65% [-10.90;1.25]; g = -0.46 [-1.36;0.21]). All measures of physical performance increased (0.24 ≤ g ≤ 0.88).
Conclusion:
Functional training with free weights in high-functioning adolescents with CP is safe and effective in increasing parameters of physical performance and cardiovascular health. Positively influenced indicators of everyday independence (i.e. strength parameters) showed a transfer into movements of daily life. Concerns about adverse events through high-intensity training in adolescents with CP appear unjustified when training is performed progressively, following basic training principles.
