Strength training in adolescent learners with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of an eight-week strength training program targeting multiple muscle groups using basic inexpensive free weights and resistance devices, on gait and perceptions of body image and functional competence.


METHODS
A randomized control trial.


METHODS
A school for children with special needs in a disadvantaged suburb in Cape Town.


METHODS
Thirty-one independently ambulant senior learners with spastic cerebral palsy (19 males, 12 females; aged 13-18 years; 15 diplegics and 16 hemiplegics).


METHODS
Eight-week strength training programme in circuit format executed during school hours, one to three times per week for 40-60 min per session. Programmes were individually designed and included 8-12 exercises selected from a 28-station circuit to target upper and lower limbs and trunk. Twenty-one subjects took part in the strength training programme and were compared with 10 control subjects.


METHODS
Three-dimensional gait analysis and a questionnaire were used to evaluate the various parameters of gait and perceptions of body image and functional competence respectively. Results were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA and bootstrap analysis.


RESULTS
The experimental group differed significantly from the control group for measure of crouch gait (sum of the ankle, knee and hip angles at midstance) (P= 0.05) and perceptions of body image (P= 0.01). Walking velocity, cadence and stride length as well as perceptions of functional ability did not change significantly after training.


CONCLUSIONS
Participation in a school-based strength training programme targeting multiple muscle groups can lead to improved degree of crouch gait and improve perception of body image.
Unger
Marianne
M
Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Department of Physiotherapy, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa. munger@sun.ac.za
Faure
Mary
M
Frieg
Annette
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001828:Body Image; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004519:Education, Special; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012572:School Health Services; D012649:Self Concept; D013019:South Africa; D014891:Weight Lifting