title: Plyometric training: effectiveness and optimal duration for children with unilateral cerebral palsy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the optimal duration and effects of plyometric training on the gross motor abilities of 3 boys with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (9 years 11 months, 10 years, and 8 years 9 months).
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a multiple-baseline, multiple-probe, single-subject experiment. The intervention followed the National Strength and Conditioning Association's guidelines for youth. The Gross Motor Function Measure 66, 10×5-m sprint, 20-m run, throw ball, broad jump, and vertical jump tests were used to evaluate gross motor abilities, agility, running speed, and power.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Improvements were found in upper extremity power, Gross Motor Function Measure 66 scores, and agility. Findings for lower extremity power and running speed were inconsistent. Training duration ranged from 8 to 14 weeks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggests that plyometric training improves gross motor ability, agility, and upper extremity power in boys with unilateral cerebral palsy. Treatment duration should be determined by an individual's capacity, the task, and the outcome measure.
authors.affiliation: Shriners Hospitals for Children-Salt Lake City (Drs Johnson, MacWilliams, Shuckra, and D'Astous), Salt Lake City, Utah; Department of Orthopedics (Drs MacWilliams and D'Astous), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation (Dr Salzberg), Utah State University, Logan, Utah.
authors.forename: Barbara A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Salzberg
authors.forename: Bruce A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: MacWilliams
authors.forename: Amy L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Shuckra
authors.forename: Jacques L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: DʼAstous
mesh_terms: D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D059385:Plyometric Exercise / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology