Reliability and Validity of Strength Measurements of the Lower Limbs in Children With Bilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy.

Overview

Specific musculo-tendinous adaptations in children with cerebral palsy (CP) have an influence on muscle strength and consequently on functional behavior and participation. Evidence of strength training programs has been shown on level of body function but transfer to levels of activity and participation is still limited. Lack of transfer is related to lack of specificity of the training and poor overall quality of the interventions (intensity, duration, frequency and/or type). The use of functional strength exercises to assess and train strength of the lower limbs in children with CP is well implemented in the most functional children with CP (GMFCS-level I). To assess isometric strength the hand held dynamometer (HHD) can be used in clinical settings but reliability of this tool is questionable. The aim of this study is to adapt existing functional strength tests for less functional children with CP (focussing on GMFCS level II and III) and to investigate the correlation with isometric strength measurements and other functional parameters.

Specific musculo-tendinous adaptations in children with cerebral palsy (CP) have an influence on muscle strength and consequently on functional behavior and participation. Evidence of strength training programs has been shown on level of body function but transfer to levels of activity and participation is still limited. Lack of transfer is related to lack of specificity of the training and poor overall quality of the interventions (intensity, duration, frequency and/or type). The use of functional strength exercises to assess and train strength of the lower limbs in children with CP is well implemented in the most functional children with CP (GMFCS-level I). The aim of this study is to adapt existing functional strength tests for less functional children with CP (focussing on GMFCS-level II and III) and to investigate the correlation with isometric strength measurements and other functional parameters.