Effects of strength-training trials for children and adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy: a systematic review
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Date
2007
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Western Cape
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the effects of strength-training on lower limb muscles and motor activity among children and
adolescents with spastic Cerebral Palsy.
METHODS:
A comprehensive search of full text published studies in English was performed. Electronic databases
were searched with no limit for year of publication. Terms used included: exercise, children, youth,
disability, treatment, strength training, spastic cerebral palsy, muscle strength, training program,
therapeutic exercise, gait training, and physical function. Reference lists of retrieved articles were also
examined to identify additional studies. To be included, studies had to be: randomised controlled trials
evaluating strength training outcomes on children and adolescents with spastic CP. Those with
intellectual disability were excluded. Evaluation for quality: Trials were rated for methodological quality
using the PEDro scale independently by the 2 researchers.
RESULTS:
Of 4 selected trials, 1 an abstract was excluded, 3 full articles were included. Trials methodological
quality ranged from 6 to 8 on PEDro scale. Two studies reported significant muscle strength changes
following strength training, with effect sizes ranging from d equal to 1.17 to 1.78 and another reported
improved gait and perceived body image.
CONCLUSION:
Trials demonstrate that strength-training improves strength of targeted muscle and motor functioning.
More rigorous trials on larger samples should evaluate the impact of specificity in strength-training and
cost-effectiveness of programs.
Description
Keywords
Strength-training, Spastic Cerebral Palsy, Strength training, Therapeutic exercise, Gait training
Citation
Matheri, J. M. & Frantz, J. M. (2007). Effects of strength-training trials for children and adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy: a systematic review. Journal of Community and Health Sciences, 2(2): 60-71