Muscle Performance in Children and Youth with Cerebral Palsy: Implications for Resistance Training

Abstract

Muscle weakness is pervasive in cerebral palsy (CP) and is considered to be one of the primary impairments at the level of body functions that contributes to activity limitation in children and adolescents with cerebral CP. Muscle performance consists of not only strength but also muscle power, rate of force development, and endurance. Muscle power and rate of force development are more impaired than muscular strength in children with CP and are related to functional mobility. Therefore, resistance training programs should address not only the force-generating capacity of the muscle but also the ability to produce force quickly. Resistance training for youth is highly recommended as a component of physical activity with multifactorial health benefits. The dosing parameters of frequency, volume, intensity, duration, and velocity are presented independently for strength and power training. Finally, evidence for the effectiveness of different types of resistance training on improving walking and gross motor function is discussed.