Masters Degrees (Occupational Therapy)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Occupational Therapy) by Subject "Cerebral palsy"

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    The impact of an eight-week progressive resisted exercise program in adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2004-04) Unger, Marianne; Faure, M.; Frieg, A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Occupational Therapy.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Muscle weakness is a problem for many young people with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Many studies have reported that selective strength-training programs can improve muscle strength. However, most of these studies are of single group design and do not adequately control for confounding variables. Objective: To determine the impact of a comprehensive strength training program targeting multiple muscle groups on adolescents with CP, using basic inexpensive free weights and resistance devices. Method: A randomised clinical trial evaluated the effects of an eight-week strength-training program on 31 independently ambulant adolescents with spastic CP, with or without walking aids, from Eros School (19 males, 12 females; mean age 16 years 1 month; range 13 - 18 years). The Kin-Com dynamometer, 3-D gait analysis, the Economy of Movement test and a questionnaire was used to evaluate selected muscle strength, the degree of crouch gait, free walking velocity and stride length, energy consumption during walking and perceptions of body image and functional competence. Twenty one subjects took part in the strength-training program and were compared with 10 control subjects. Results were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA and bootstrap analysis. Results: Compared with the control, significant improvement in the degree of crouch as measured by the sum of the ankle, knee and hip angles at midstance (p=0.05) and perceptions of body image (p=0.01) were noted for the experimental group. Significant trends were also noted for isometric knee extension muscle strength at 30° as well as for hip abduction at 10° and 20°. Walking efficiency, -velocity and stride length remained unchanged as well as perceptions of functional ability. Conclusion: A strength-training program targeting multiple muscle groups including upper and lower limbs as well as the trunk, can lead to changes in muscle strength and improve the degree of crouch gait with improved perception of body image. Successful participation in such a program at school may motivate children with CP to continue with home-based basic strength training. Strength training alone did not decrease oxygen consumption during walking and inclusion of aerobic exercise is recommended.