Group-based progressive functional, high-intensity training in adolescents and young adults with unilateral cerebral palsy – a tool to improve gross motor function, endurance and gait? – a pilot study
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: PURPOSE: This pilot study assessed the safety and effects of progressive functional high-intensity training in a group setting for adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) on daily function indicators. METHODS: Nine adolescents (mean age 16.9 years, GMFCS levels I-II) participated in 12 weeks of training (2x/week). Evaluations included 3D gait analysis, the 6-min walking test (6MWT), clinical exams, and the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66). RESULTS: = .067, Δ = 5.4%) for the affected leg were observed, they were not statistically significant. DISCUSSION: The study suggests that this training is safe and may enhance gross motor function, endurance, and gait asymmetry in unilateral CP. Future research should include upper limb evaluations and out-of-clinic motion analysis with wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) to provide a more comprehensive assessment of functional movements.
Authors: Michèle Widmer, Alice Minghetti, Jacqueline Romkes, Martin Keller, Ramon Gysin, Cornelia Neuhaus, Bastian Widmer, Morgan Sangeux, Elke Viehweger
Institutions: University Children’s Hospital Basel, University of Basel
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4402747545