Strength Training in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Condition: Cerebral Palsy
MeSH terms: Cerebral Palsy
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      This study was set out to assess the effect of stretch-shortening (SSC) exercises on
      gait-symmetry and balance in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP). Forty-two
      children with UCP were randomly allocated to the control group (n = 21, received standard
      physical rehabilitation) or the SSC group (n =21, received standard rehabilitation plus SSC
      exercises). Both groups were assessed for ait-symmetry and balance pre and post-treatment.
    

Detailed description: 
      Forty-two children with UCP were recruited from the Physical Therapy Outpatient Clinic of
      Collee of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, King Khalid
      Hospital, and a tertiary referral hospital, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia. Their age ranged between
      8 and 12 years, were functioning at levels I or II according to the Gross Motor Function
      Classification System, and had spasticity level 1 or 1+ per the Modified Ashworth Scale.
      Children were excluded if they had fixed deformities, underwent neuromuscular or orthopedic
      surgery in the last 12 months, submitted to BOTOX injection in the past 6 months, attentional
      neglect, cardiopulmonary problems preventing them from performing high-intense exercise
      training.

      Outcome measures

        1. Gait-symmetry Indices: Gait symmetry indices (Spatial and temporal) were measured
           through a 3D motion analysis system.

        2. Balance capabilities: several aspects of balance including sensory organization,
           reactive balance, and rhythmic weight shift were tested through a Pro Balance Master
           system.

      The control and SSC groups received a standard rehabilitation program for 45 minutes, twice a
      week for eight consecutive weeks. The program comprised advanced balance training, and gait
      training exercises, postural and flexibility exercises, strength training exercises.
      Additionally, the SSC group received an SSC exercise program for 30 minutes, twice/week for
      eight weeks per the National Strength and Conditioning Association guidelines and American
      Academy of Pediatrics safety standards. The SSC program consisted of ten unilateral and
      bilateral lower limb plyometrics in the form of hopping/bounding/jumping activities. The SSC
      training was preceded by a warm-up for 5 minutes and ended up with a 5-min cooldown.
    

Intervention name(s): Physical Therapy
Intervention type(s): Other
Intervention description(s): The control group recieved the standard physical rehabilitation program conducted for 45 minutes, twice a week for eight consecutive weeks, and consisted of advanced balance training, gait training, postural and flexibility exercises, and strength training exercises.
The SSC group received the same program in addition to the SSC exercises for 30 minutes, two times per week for eight successive weeks
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Intervention model description: A prospective pre-test post-test randomized controlled trial
Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment