Effectiveness of loaded sit-to-stand resistance exercise for children with mild spastic diplegia: a randomized clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate effectiveness of a functional strengthening program, the loaded sit-to-stand (STS) resistance exercise, for children with cerebral palsy (CP).


METHODS
A single-blind, randomized block design.


METHODS
STS exercises were carried out at the children's homes.


METHODS
Twenty children (12 boys, 8 girls; age range, 5-12y) with spastic diplegia CP and classified by the Gross Motor Function Classification System as level I or II were stratified by their severity and age and randomly allocated into either the experimental or control group.


METHODS
Both groups received their regular physical therapy. The experimental group underwent loaded STS exercise 3 times a week for 6 weeks.


METHODS
Goal dimension scores of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), gait speed, 1 repetition maximum (1-RM) of the loaded STS, isometric strength of knee extensor, and Physiological Cost Index (PCI). The outcome measures were conducted at the beginning and end of the 6-week study.


RESULTS
After loaded STS exercise, the experimental group showed statistically significant differences in GMFM goal dimension scores, 1-RM STS, and PCI from the control group. The changes in gait speed and isometric strength of the knee extensor did not differ significantly between the 2 groups.


CONCLUSIONS
After the loaded STS exercise, children with mild spastic diplegia improved their basic motor abilities, functional muscle strength, and walking efficiency.
Liao
Hua-Fang
HF
School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. hfliao@ntu.edu.tw
Liu
Ying-Chi
YC
Liu
Wen-Yu
WY
Lin
Yuh-Ting
YT
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D007717:Knee / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength; D053581:Muscle Strength Dynamometer; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013624:Taiwan; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014891:Weight Lifting; D016474:Weight-Bearing