Group-based progressive functional, high-intensity training in adolescents and young adults with unilateral cerebral palsy - a tool to improve gross motor function, endurance and gait? - a pilot study

Abstract

Purpose: This pilot study assessed the safety and effects of progressive functional high-intensity training in a group setting for adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) on daily function indicators.

Methods: Nine adolescents (mean age 16.9 years, GMFCS levels I-II) participated in 12 weeks of training (2x/week). Evaluations included 3D gait analysis, the 6-min walking test (6MWT), clinical exams, and the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66).

Results: No adverse events occurred, and GMFM-66 scores significantly improved (p = .031, Δ = 2.19%). Although increases in 6MWT (p = .09, Δ = 29.8 m) performance and propulsion ratio (p = .067, Δ = 5.4%) for the affected leg were observed, they were not statistically significant.

Discussion: The study suggests that this training is safe and may enhance gross motor function, endurance, and gait asymmetry in unilateral CP. Future research should include upper limb evaluations and out-of-clinic motion analysis with wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) to provide a more comprehensive assessment of functional movements.

Keywords: Adolescents/young adults; cerebral palsy; group-based training; high-intensity training; progressive functional strength training.