The effects of progressive resistance

Objectives
: To investigate the effects of progressive resistance training of quadriceps and hamstrings muscles in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Design
: Pilot study using a repeated measures design with measurements at baseline, immediately after six weeks training then at four-week follow-up.

Setting
: The project was undertaken within the physiotherapy department of two special schools in Glasgow.

Subjects
: A convenience sample of eight children aged between six and 12 years, with hypertonic CP.

Intervention
: The subjects participated three times per week in a six-week, progressive, free-weight, strengthening programme.

Outcome measures
: Maximum isometric muscle strength and resistance to passive stretch were measured with a hand-held myometer. The Gross Motor Function Measure and a 10-metre timed walking test, were used to assess function and gait
parameters respectively.

Results
: Muscle strength increased, with the quadriceps to hamstrings strength ratio moving towards normal. These changes were retained at follow-up. Muscle tone decreased and continued to decrease to follow-up. The standing (D) and walking, running and jumping (E) goal areas of the Gross Motor Function Measure showed improvement that continued towards follow-up. Walking speed and step rate increased.

The effects of progressive resistance