Abstract
This study examined the effects of eccentric strength training on muscle function and functionality in football players with cerebral palsy (CP). Eight players (M=21.6, SD=5.9 years) performed bilateral lower limb (LL) eccentric strength training for six-week at 80% of one repetition maximum (ECC), three times per week, while nine players (M=20.9, SD=6.6 years) were used as controls (CTL). Knee extensor muscles isometric (MVC) strength, asymmetry between LL, thigh perimeter, balance (Y-balance test) and agility (Illinois agility test) were measured in both LL before and after training. CTL maintained all dependent variables unchanged after six weeks. MVC strength increased in the right (M=22.7, SD=9.6%; p<0.001; ES=1.12) and in the left LL (M=23.7, SD=7.6%; p<0.001; ES=0.93) after ECC. Strength asymmetry decreased (M=-22.7, SD=15.4%; p<0.001; ES=0.58) after ECC. Thigh perimeter increased in the left (M=4.8, SD=1.6%; p<0.001; ES=0.84) and in the right LL (M=4.4, SD=1.5%; p<0.001; ES=0.73) after ECC. Balance improved in the left (M=12.9, SD=3.2%; p<0.001; ES=0.84) and in the right LL (M=10.5, SD=4.5%; p<0.001; ES=0.63) after ECC. The results suggest that eccentric strength training seems to effectively increase muscle strength, balance, and thigh perimeter and decrease strength asymmetry in football players with CP.
Highlights
Cerebral palsy (CP) is defined as movements and posture disorders produced by an injury sustained in an immature central nervous system (Jones, Morgan, Shelton, & Thorogood, 2007)
Greater changes in Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) strength were observed in the right (ECC: M=22.7, standard deviations (SD)=9.6%; p
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of eccentric strength training on muscular strength and motor function parameters in football players with CP
Summary
Cerebral palsy (CP) is defined as movements and posture disorders produced by an injury sustained in an immature central nervous system (Jones, Morgan, Shelton, & Thorogood, 2007). Structural muscle differences in people with CP include decreased muscle volume and fiber length, increased intramuscular fat and length of Achilles tendon when compared to able-bodied people (Gillett, Boyd, Carty, & Barber, 2016; Rose & Mcgill, 1998). These changes typically induce lower aerobic and anaerobic capacity, the lower range of motion may affect the balance and mobility (Jeng et al, 2013). This could affect the quality of life, and decrease the physical performance of individuals with CP that play sports
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