Quadriceps Muscle Plasticity in Children With Cerebral Palsy
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Neurology |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Neurology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 7 - 17 |
| Updated: | 5/19/2018 |
| Start Date: | January 2009 |
| End Date: | December 13, 2010 |
In Vivo Assessment of Quadriceps Muscle Plasticity in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Our primary aim is to determine whether and how muscle architecture of the quadriceps muscles
in cerebral palsy (CP) adapts to two separate training programs: traditional strength
training (ST) vs. velocity-enhanced training (VT). For the ST group, we hypothesize that
muscle size will increase in conjunction with strength. For the VT group, in addition to the
above, we hypothesize that fiber length will increase with measures of muscle power. We also
hypothesize that walking velocity will improve in both groups but that knee motion and step
length will improve only with VT.
in cerebral palsy (CP) adapts to two separate training programs: traditional strength
training (ST) vs. velocity-enhanced training (VT). For the ST group, we hypothesize that
muscle size will increase in conjunction with strength. For the VT group, in addition to the
above, we hypothesize that fiber length will increase with measures of muscle power. We also
hypothesize that walking velocity will improve in both groups but that knee motion and step
length will improve only with VT.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability originating in childhood,
occurring in 2-3 per 1,000 live births. Although the primary deficit in CP is injury to the
brain, secondary impairments affecting muscle function such as weakness, contractures, and
spasticity are often far more debilitating and lead to worsening disability throughout the
lifespan. Some have suggested that these muscle changes in CP may be irreversible; however,
it is now known that muscles are one of the most 'plastic' tissues in the body. In fact,
recent evidence suggests that gross muscle hypertrophy and architectural changes within
muscle fibers can occur as early as 3-5 weeks after resistance training in healthy adults. It
is also unknown how effectively muscles in CP can adapt to training stimuli that target
specific muscle architectural parameters, such as fascicle length and cross-sectional area.
These parameters have been observed to be decreased in CP, suggesting loss of sarcomeres
in-series (fiber shortening) and in-parallel (muscle atrophy). We propose here that specific
training-induced muscle architectural adaptations can occur in CP, leading to improved motor
function.
occurring in 2-3 per 1,000 live births. Although the primary deficit in CP is injury to the
brain, secondary impairments affecting muscle function such as weakness, contractures, and
spasticity are often far more debilitating and lead to worsening disability throughout the
lifespan. Some have suggested that these muscle changes in CP may be irreversible; however,
it is now known that muscles are one of the most 'plastic' tissues in the body. In fact,
recent evidence suggests that gross muscle hypertrophy and architectural changes within
muscle fibers can occur as early as 3-5 weeks after resistance training in healthy adults. It
is also unknown how effectively muscles in CP can adapt to training stimuli that target
specific muscle architectural parameters, such as fascicle length and cross-sectional area.
These parameters have been observed to be decreased in CP, suggesting loss of sarcomeres
in-series (fiber shortening) and in-parallel (muscle atrophy). We propose here that specific
training-induced muscle architectural adaptations can occur in CP, leading to improved motor
function.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosis of cerebral palsy
- Gross motor function classification system levels I, II, or III
- Ages 7 to 17
Exclusion Criteria:
- Orthopedic or neurosurgery within the past year
- Botulinum toxin injections within the 4 months prior to the study
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