Systematic Review of Progressive Strength Training in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy Who Are Ambulatory

Abstract

To capture and analyze the evidence concerning the effects of progressive strength training on function and gait in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) who are ambulatory. A language-inclusive search was conducted for controlled or noncontrolled studies of strength training for subjects with CP who were ambulatory and aged 4 to 20 years, using objective outcome measures. Quality was assessed with the Maastricht-Amsterdam List. Data were extracted and analyzed. The 13 included articles favored treatment without significant adverse effects. Function and gait improved more following isotonic rather than isokinetic training, and in younger rather than older subjects. Function and gait improvements were greater in preadolescents.