The effects of progressive resistance training on daily physical activity in young people with cerebral palsy: a randomised controlled trial.
Study Goal
To determine if individualized resistance training increases daily physical activity (e.g., walking) in adolescents and young adults with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy.
Results Summary
The study found no significant increase in daily physical activity (e.g., steps, sitting/lying time) from resistance training, though leg press strength likely improved. The intervention did not translate to increased walking or activity levels.
Population
Adolescents and young adults with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy and mild to moderate walking disabilities.
Effective Dosage
Twice weekly for 12 weeks (individualized lower limb progressive resistance training).
Duration
12 weeks (with follow-up at 24 weeks).
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
individualised lower limb progressive resistance training programme | no change | daily physical activity (number of steps, and time sitting and lying) | adolescents and young adults with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP) | - | no between-group differences | #1 |
individualised lower limb progressive resistance training programme | increase | leg press strength | young people with bilateral spastic CP | mean difference 11.8 kg; 95% CI -1.4 to 25.0 | likely increase | #2 |
individualised lower limb progressive resistance training programme | no change | daily physical activity | young people with bilateral spastic CP | - | not effective in increasing | #3 |
progressive resistance training | increase | muscle strength | young people with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP) and mild to moderate walking disabilities | - | may increase | #4 |
progressive resistance training | no change | daily physical activity | young people with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP) and mild to moderate walking disabilities | - | does not lead to increases in | #5 |
PURPOSE: To examine if individualised resistance training increases the daily physical activity of adolescents and young adults with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD: Young people with bilateral spastic CP were randomly assigned to intervention or to usual care. The intervention group completed an individualised lower limb progressive resistance training programme twice a week for 12 weeks in community gymnasiums. The primary outcome was daily physical activity (number of steps, and time sitting and lying). Secondary outcomes included muscle strength measured with a one-repetition maximum (1RM) leg press and reverse leg press. Outcomes were measured at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks. RESULTS: From the 36 participants with complete data at 12 weeks, there were no between-group differences for any measure of daily physical activity. There was a likely increase in leg press strength in favour of the intervention group (mean difference 11.8 kg; 95% CI -1.4 to 25.0). No significant adverse events occurred during training. CONCLUSIONS: A short-term resistance training programme that may increase leg muscle strength was not effective in increasing daily physical activity. Other strategies are needed to address the low-daily physical activity levels of young people with bilateral spastic CP. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Progressive resistance training may increase muscle strength but does not lead to increases in daily physical activity of young people with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP) and mild to moderate walking disabilities. Other strategies apart from or in addition to resistance training are needed to address the low daily physical activity levels of young people with bilateral spastic CP and mild to moderate walking disabilities.