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Purpose

Abstract By: Sheila Swann-Guerrero

Dodd, K. J., Taylor, N. F., & Graham, H. K. (2003). A randomized clinical trial of strength training in young people with cerebral palsy. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 45, 652-657

Purpose

Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects body movement and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage to the brain during fetal development; before, during, or shortly after birth; or during infancy. Muscle weakness can be a primary concern for people with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (Damiano et al. 1995; Wiley & Damiano, 1998). Typically, people with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy walk slowly and have difficulty walking up and down stairs and running (Abel & Damiano, 1996; Damiano & Abel, 1998). The purpose of this study was to determine if a home-based strength training program could improve the lower limb muscle strength and daily physical activity functioning of young people with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

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This fact sheet was last updated on 01-30-2006.