None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The main aim is to find out if targeted strength training for the lower limbs can improve walking ability of adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy (CP). CP is the most common cause of childhood disability in Australia. Difficulty with walking is the major issue affecting the independence of many young people with CP. Preliminary data suggests that strengthening weak muscles of young people with CP can improve functional activities like walking. In addition, pilot data indicates that strength training works best for adolescents and young adults with CP after other managements like surgery and rehabilitation have been completed.A randomised controlled trial will compare strength training against a control group receiving usual care.This will be the first fully powered randomised controlled trial to find out if strength training can help the walking ability of young people with CP, the major issue affecting their independence. If successful strength training could be an important treatment option for young people with CP as they make the transition to adulthood and sustained independence.
Interventions
Progressive resistance strength training (PRST) in a community gymnasium, twice a week for 12 weeks targeting the major muscles in the lower limbs contributing to limited walking ability. Participants will complete 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 12 repetitions of each exercise, with a 2 minute break between each set, at an intensity of 10-12 repetition maximum and exercise under the supervision of a physiotherapist.
Sponsors
La Trobe University
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
14 Years to 22 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
(i) Diplegic cerebral palsy aged between 14 and 22 years (ii) Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level II or III. (iii) Approval from a medical practitioner to participate in PRST. (iv) Ability to follow simple instructions so that the participant can complete the prescribed exercise program.
Exclusion criteria
(i) Single event multi-level orthopaedic surgery within the previous 2 years (ii) Participation in a PRST program in the 6 months prior to the start of the trial (iii) Contractures of more than 10º at the hip and knee
Outcome results
None listed