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The effect of combined functional anaerobic and strength training on treadmill gait kinematics and kinetics in ambulatory young adults with cerebral palsy.

Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, UQ Child Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: j.gillett1@uq.edu.au. Centre for Sensorimotor Performance, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: g.lichtwark@uq.edu.au. Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, UQ Child Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: r.boyd@uq.edu.au. School of Allied Health Sciences and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia; Queensland Children's Motion Analysis Service, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Department of Orthopaedics, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: c.carty@griffith.edu.au. Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, UQ Child Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: l.barber@cqu.edu.au.

Gait & posture. 2019;:323-329
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Abstract

BACKGROUND Leg muscle weakness is a major impairment for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and is related to reduced functional capacity. Evidence is limited regarding the translation of strength improvements following conventional resistance training to improved gait outcomes. RESEARCH QUESTION Does a combined functional anaerobic and lower limb strength training intervention improve gait kinematics and kinetics in individuals with CP aged 15-30 years? 17 young adults (21 ± 4 years, 9 males, GMFCS I = 11, II = 6) were randomized to 12 weeks, 3 sessions per week, of high intensity functional anaerobic and progressive resistance training of the lower limbs (n = 8), or a waitlist control group (n = 9). Pre- and post-training outcomes included maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle at foot contact and during stance, gait profile score, ankle and hip power generation during late stance, and the ratio of ankle to hip power generation. RESULTS There were no between-group differences after the intervention for any kinematic or kinetic gait outcome variable. Within-group analysis revealed an increase in peak ankle power during late stance (0.31 ± 0.28 W·kg-1, p = 0.043) and ankle to hip power ratio (0.43 ± 0.37, p = 0.034) following training in the intervention group. SIGNIFICANCE We have previously reported increased overground walking capacity, agility and sprint power, in the training group compared to the control group at 12-weeks. These changes in overground measures of functional capacity occurred in the absence of changes in treadmill gait kinematics and kinetics reported here. ANZCTR 12614001217695.

Methodological quality

Publication Type : Randomized Controlled Trial

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MeSH terms : Gait