ORIGINAL PAPER
The effects of a strengthening program on walking and stair-climbing ability of adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial
1
Laboratory of Advanced Physiotherapy, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
2
School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
Submission date: 2021-04-05
Acceptance date: 2021-11-22
Publication date: 2022-01-23
Hum Mov. 2022;23(4):148-155
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Purpose:
The study aim was to examine the effects of a 10-week school-based strengthening program on walking and stair-climbing ability of adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy.
Methods:
Overall, 35 participants, aged 12–19 years, were classified in 3 levels in accordance with the Gross Motor Function Classification System and randomly assigned to the experimental and control group. The experimental group participated in a 10-week progressive resistance exercise program during the adapted physical education class and performed functional strength exercises (sit-to-stand, lateral and front step-up), with a frequency of 3 times per week. The experimental and control groups continued their usual care at school regarding physical therapy and/or occupational therapy. Stair-climbing ability was assessed with the Timed Up and Down Stairs test and walking ability was evaluated with the 10-m walk test and the 1-minute walk test.
Results:
There was a significant between-group improvement for stair-climbing ability favouring the intervention group (F = 6.519, p = 0.016, ƞ2 = 0.169), whereas walking ability as assessed with the 10-m walk test and the 1-minute walk test remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
A functional strengthening program administered in adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy may positively influence their stair-climbing ability, without any adverse effects.
The study aim was to examine the effects of a 10-week school-based strengthening program on walking and stair-climbing ability of adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy.
Methods:
Overall, 35 participants, aged 12–19 years, were classified in 3 levels in accordance with the Gross Motor Function Classification System and randomly assigned to the experimental and control group. The experimental group participated in a 10-week progressive resistance exercise program during the adapted physical education class and performed functional strength exercises (sit-to-stand, lateral and front step-up), with a frequency of 3 times per week. The experimental and control groups continued their usual care at school regarding physical therapy and/or occupational therapy. Stair-climbing ability was assessed with the Timed Up and Down Stairs test and walking ability was evaluated with the 10-m walk test and the 1-minute walk test.
Results:
There was a significant between-group improvement for stair-climbing ability favouring the intervention group (F = 6.519, p = 0.016, ƞ2 = 0.169), whereas walking ability as assessed with the 10-m walk test and the 1-minute walk test remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
A functional strengthening program administered in adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy may positively influence their stair-climbing ability, without any adverse effects.
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