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Power Training Combined With Interval Treadmill Training in Cerebral Palsy: An RCT
Noelle G Moreau1, Kristie F Bjornson2, Phil Hurvitz3
1Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Pediatrics
|March 5, 2026
Summary
Power training combined with interval treadmill training (PT3) significantly improved muscle power and fast gait speed in children with cerebral palsy (CP). This approach was superior to traditional strength training for enhancing walking performance.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) significantly impacts motor function, particularly walking capacity.
- Effective interventions are crucial for improving mobility and quality of life in children with CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of lower-extremity power training combined with interval treadmill training (PT3) versus traditional strength training (STT) in children with CP.
- To assess the impact of PT3 on walking capacity and performance.
Main Methods:
- A multisite, single-blinded randomized clinical trial involving children (10-17 years) with spastic, bilateral CP.
- Participants received 24 sessions of either PT3 or STT.
- Primary outcomes included normalized self-selected and fast gait speed, and muscle power, assessed at baseline and post-intervention (immediate, 2-month, 6-month).
Main Results:
- The PT3 group showed significantly greater improvement in fast gait speed from baseline to 2-month post compared to the STT group.
- Muscle power significantly increased in the PT3 group immediately post-training compared to STT.
- Stride rate intensity also increased immediately post-PT3, though this effect was not sustained at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Power training combined with high-intensity interval treadmill training (PT3) is superior to traditional strength training (STT) for improving muscle power and fast gait speed in children with CP.
- PT3 offers a more effective approach for enhancing specific aspects of walking performance in this population.
- While immediate gains were observed, long-term maintenance of all improvements requires further investigation.
