The effect of a low-load plyometric running intervention on leg stiffness in youth with cerebral palsy: A randomised controlled trial

The effect of a low-load plyometric running intervention on leg stiffness in youth with cerebral palsy: A randomised controlled trial

•Leg stiffness in hopping improved in GMFCS levels I and II after intervention.•Leg stiffness during jogging improved after intervention in youth in GMFCS level I.•Plyometric intervention may improve stance knee control in youth in GMFCS level II. To determine whether a running intervention utilisin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Gait & posture 2021-10, Vol.90, p.441-448
Main Authors: Chappell, A., Allison, G.T., Gibson, N., Williams, G., Morris, S.
Format: Article
Language:eng
Subjects:
Adolescent
Biomechanical Phenomena
Biomechanics
Cerebral Palsy
Child
Gait
Humans
Leg
Leg stiffness
Lower Extremity
Male
Plyometrics
Running
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Summary:•Leg stiffness in hopping improved in GMFCS levels I and II after intervention.•Leg stiffness during jogging improved after intervention in youth in GMFCS level I.•Plyometric intervention may improve stance knee control in youth in GMFCS level II. To determine whether a running intervention utilising plyometric activities improved leg stiffness in youth with cerebral palsy (CP), GMFCS levels I and II. This stratified randomised controlled trial examined the lower limb kinetics and kinematics of a sample of youths with CP during sub-maximal hopping and running, prior to and immediately following a 12-week running intervention that incorporated low load plyometric training. Included participants were 13 in the control group (mean age 13 years 2 months [SD 2 years 7 months]; six males; nine GMFCS level I; six unilateral) and 18 in the intervention group (mean age 12 years 9 months [SD 2 years 10 months]; 13 males; 11 GMFCS level I; nine unilateral). Derived variables included three-dimensional leg stiffness as well as resultant ground reaction force and change in leg length. Generalised linear mixed models were developed for statistical analysis. At follow-up the intervention group had greater leg stiffness than the control group during submaximal hopping (Intervention median = 3278Nm−1; Control median = 1556Nm−1; p < 0.01). At follow-up, participants in the intervention group in GMFCS Level I had greater leg stiffness than the control group during jogging (Intervention mean=38.84 (SD=25.55); Control mean=29.38 (SD=11.11); t = 2.61 p = 0.01). A running training intervention which includes plyometric activities can improve leg stiffness in young people with CP, especially those in GMFCS level I.
ISSN:0966-6362
1879-2219