Observations of Performance and Body Composition Following 8-weeks of Progressive Resistance Training in Participants With Cerebral Palsy

doi:10.28933/ijsmr-2021-04-2605

Abstract

Purpose: To observe the effects of progressive resistance training on performance and body composition in participants with cerebral palsy. Methods: Four quadriplegic (3 male, 1 female) and two hemiplegic (2 female) participants (22 ± 5 yr, mean ± SD) completed moderate to high intensity resistance training 2-3 days a week for 8-weeks. Strength training programs were developed for each participant based on their physical ability. Measurements of exercise performance and body composition (InBody 270 & S10) were collected prior to and following training. Data from all participants was pooled, and samples with 5-6 subjects were analyzed using a paired t-test with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Measurements of muscular fitness improved, including plank performance (pre: 64 ± 40, post: 95 ± 61 s, n = 6), supine sled leg press 1RM (pre: 225 ± 69, post: 378 ± 124 lb, n = 6) and bench/sled press 1RM (pre: 92 ± 54, post: 115 ± 58 lb, n = 5). There was no change in peak sprint capacity (pre: 89 ± 32, post: 96 ± 29 W, n = 5) or peak aerobic capacity (pre: 303 ± 136, post: 370 ± 246 s, n = 4). Measurements of body weight (pre: 151 ± 40, post: 151 ± 42 lb, n = 6) and skeletal muscle mass (pre: 53 ± 8, post: 54 ± 9 lb, n = 6) were unchanged following training. Conclusion: Preliminary data is encouraging that the unique and challenging strength training program employed with these participants can be utilized to gain meaningful improvements in muscular fitness. However, a larger sample size and longer training period may be necessary to significantly increase muscle mass.

Highlights

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can effect muscle tone, movement and coordination in one or multiple limbs
Preliminary data is encouraging that the unique and challenging strength training program employed with these eSciPub LLC, Houston, TX USA. participants can be utilized to gain meaningful improvements in Website: https://escipub.com/ muscular fitness
These impairments often contribute to inadequate muscle development [1,2], and as a result individuals with CP can struggle with activities of daily living (ADL) and tend to report lower levels of daily physical activity [3,4]

Summary

Introduction

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can effect muscle tone, movement and coordination in one or multiple limbs. It is still to be determined what specific adaptations are associated with improved and lasting muscular strength and function following training, but it has been suspected that limited strength in people with CP is due to neuromuscular deficiencies including spasticity, neural drive, coordination of contractions and/or muscle agonist deficiencies [16,,17,18}. These deficiencies may limit similar gains in muscle mass to people without CP, so determining training programs that stimulate muscle hypertrophy would be advantageous. The purpose of our study was to observe the effects of a unique upper and lower body 8-week progressive resistance training program on markers of performance and body composition in adolescents and young adults with CP

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