Community-Based Upper Extremity Power Training for Youth with Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Aim: To examine the effects of an upper-extremity, community-based, and power-training intervention.

Methods: Twelve participants with cerebral palsy (CP) [8 males, 4 females; mean age 14 years 6 months (SD 5 years 4 months), range 7–24] were randomly assigned to a rest-training (RT; n = 6) or training-rest (n = 6) group in this randomized, cross-over design. Training took place in participants’ home or school, three times per week for 6 weeks. We examined changes in upper extremity average power output (Pavg) in watts (W) and changes in function via the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI).

Results: Each participant completed at least 15 of the 18 total training sessions (91.2% adherence). Pavg increased 92.2% on average among participants (p < .05). There was a significant three-way interaction among treatment, sequence, and period with the data stratified by (Bimanual Fine Motor Function [BFMF]) level on the pain subscale of the PODCI (p = 0.0118). All participants decreased pain after training with the exception of individuals with lower functioning (BFMF II-V) in the RT group.

Conclusion: A community-based upper extremity power-training intervention was feasible and effective at improving power among young people with CP and has the potential to improve pain.

Keywords:

• Cerebral palsy
• power training
• pain
• community-based exercise
• upper extremity

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Kristina Kendall, PhD, for her work in the design of the intervention.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.