EFFECT OF ISOKINETIC STRENGTH-TRAINING ON FUNCTIONAL ABILITY AND WALKING EFFICIENCY IN ADOLESCENTS WITH CEREBRAL-PALSY

This study investigated changes in knee extensor and flexor strength o f 17 mildly involved adolescents with cerebral palsy in response to an eight-week isokinetic strength-training program. Peak torque and work were used as strength outcome measures. Subsequent changes in gross m otor function and walking efficiency were evaluated. The significant s trength gains of 21 to 25 per cent observed were similar in magnitude to those previously reported for able-bodied individuals. A significan t number of subjects showed an increase in gross motor ability. Howeve r, walking velocity and walking efficiency were unchanged. Strength ga ins of 15 to 17 per cent were maintained for three months after the ce ssation of isokinetic training.