Adults with cerebral palsy benefit from participating in a strength training programme at a community gymnasium

Abstract

This study adds to the accumulating evidence that strength training can be beneficial for people with cerebral palsy by demonstrating benefits for adults with cerebral palsy and high support needs who are subject to decline in physical function associated with the ageing process.

Prerequisites for carrying out physiotherapy and physical activity – experiences from adults with cerebral palsy

“…Only a few studies dealing with physical activity in adults were found, and they focused on strength training [13,14]. The training increased strength and improved…”

“…Ageing in combination with overuse and/or immobilisation are considered as contributory factors to the deterioration [3,5,12]. Physical training may counteract the impairments, but only a few studies report from the effects of physical training in the adult population with CP [13,14]. More studies shows that different kinds of physical activity are beneficial for children with CP [15,16].…”

Progressive resistance training and mobility‐related function in young people with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial

“…18 A hand-held dynamometer (Nicholas Manual Muscle Tester, Lafayette, LA, USA) was used to assess isometric strength of the targeted muscles for each participant. 19 …”

Whole-Body Vibration Training Compared With Resistance Training: Effect on Spasticity, Muscle Strength and Motor Performance in Adults With Cerebral Palsy

“…Strengthening of these muscles is therefore often a goal in the treatment of adults with CP. In 2 studies, 10 weeks of progressive resistance training (RT) were found to increase muscle strength in adults with CP (5,6). Other studies on children with CP also reported good effect on muscle strength after RT (4,7,8).…”