Muscle Performance, Activity, and Participation: A Case Series Exploring the Effects of Resistance Training Combined with Task-Specific Training in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Location
LSU Health Sciences Center - New Orleans
Event Website
https://alliedhealth.lsuhsc.edu/admin/sahpresearchday.aspx
Document Type
Event
Start Date
8-4-2024 1:10 PM
End Date
8-4-2024 1:25 PM
Description
INTRODUCTION
Muscle power is more impaired than strength in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and is correlated
with walking activity and participation. We hypothesize that interventions targeting muscle power will
have a greater effect on gait-related outcomes as compared to traditional therapies.
PURPOSE
To investigate the effects of 4 interventions on muscle performance (MP), walking capacity (WC) and
participation (WP).
METHODS
Four participants with CP (8-10y, GMFCS level II) enrolled in two clinical trials and were randomized to 8
weeks of either (1) Traditional Locomotor Treadmill Training (TLTT) OR (2) Short-Burst interval
Locomotor Treadmill Training (SBLTT) (Trial 1) followed by a wash-out then randomized to receive 8
weeks of either (3) Strength Training combined with TLTT (ST+TLTT) OR (4) Power Training combined
with SBLTT (PT3) (Trial 2). Outcomes included MP [average power (AP); peak torque (PT)], WC and
WP. Outcomes were evaluated for meaningful change based on percentiles, MCID, and MDC.
RESULTS
Trial 1: P1 (TLTT) demonstrated regression in MP, increases in WC, and decreases in WP. P2 (TLTT)
demonstrated decreases in MP, increases in WC, and no change in WP. P3 (TLTT) demonstrated no
change in MP and increases in WC and WP. P4 (SBLTT) demonstrated inconsistent increases in PT, no
change in AP, but improvements in WC and WP.
Trial 2: P1 (ST+TLTT) demonstrated no change in PT, inconsistent increases in AP, and improvements
in WC and WP. P2 (PT3) demonstrated increases in MP at higher speeds, and increases in WC and
WP. P3 (PT3) demonstrated no change in PT, increases in AP at higher speeds, and increases in WC
and WP. P4 (ST+TLTT) demonstrated increases in MP, but no change in WC or WP.
DISCUSSION
These results suggest that SBLTT and PT3 may be more effective at increasing walking capacity and
performance than TLTT and ST+TLTT. Future studies are warranted.
Recommended Citation
Dublin, Paige; Fontenot, Cody; Robin, Halie; Wilsonn, Leah; Licea, Joel; and Moreau, Noelle, "Muscle Performance, Activity, and Participation: A Case Series Exploring the Effects of Resistance Training Combined with Task-Specific Training in Children with Cerebral Palsy" (2024). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 13.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2024/2024/13
Muscle Performance, Activity, and Participation: A Case Series Exploring the Effects of Resistance Training Combined with Task-Specific Training in Children with Cerebral Palsy
LSU Health Sciences Center - New Orleans
INTRODUCTION
Muscle power is more impaired than strength in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and is correlated
with walking activity and participation. We hypothesize that interventions targeting muscle power will
have a greater effect on gait-related outcomes as compared to traditional therapies.
PURPOSE
To investigate the effects of 4 interventions on muscle performance (MP), walking capacity (WC) and
participation (WP).
METHODS
Four participants with CP (8-10y, GMFCS level II) enrolled in two clinical trials and were randomized to 8
weeks of either (1) Traditional Locomotor Treadmill Training (TLTT) OR (2) Short-Burst interval
Locomotor Treadmill Training (SBLTT) (Trial 1) followed by a wash-out then randomized to receive 8
weeks of either (3) Strength Training combined with TLTT (ST+TLTT) OR (4) Power Training combined
with SBLTT (PT3) (Trial 2). Outcomes included MP [average power (AP); peak torque (PT)], WC and
WP. Outcomes were evaluated for meaningful change based on percentiles, MCID, and MDC.
RESULTS
Trial 1: P1 (TLTT) demonstrated regression in MP, increases in WC, and decreases in WP. P2 (TLTT)
demonstrated decreases in MP, increases in WC, and no change in WP. P3 (TLTT) demonstrated no
change in MP and increases in WC and WP. P4 (SBLTT) demonstrated inconsistent increases in PT, no
change in AP, but improvements in WC and WP.
Trial 2: P1 (ST+TLTT) demonstrated no change in PT, inconsistent increases in AP, and improvements
in WC and WP. P2 (PT3) demonstrated increases in MP at higher speeds, and increases in WC and
WP. P3 (PT3) demonstrated no change in PT, increases in AP at higher speeds, and increases in WC
and WP. P4 (ST+TLTT) demonstrated increases in MP, but no change in WC or WP.
DISCUSSION
These results suggest that SBLTT and PT3 may be more effective at increasing walking capacity and
performance than TLTT and ST+TLTT. Future studies are warranted.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2024/2024/13