Functional capacity in adults with cerebral palsy: Lower limb muscle strength matters.

Publication date: Available online 10 February 2018
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Jarred G. Gillett, Glen A. Lichtwark, Roslyn N. Boyd, Lee A. Barber
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between lower limb muscle strength, passive muscle properties and functional capacity outcomes in adults with cerebral palsy (CP).DesignCross-sectional study.SettingTertiary institution biomechanics laboratory.ParticipantsSample of 33 adults with spastic-type CP with a mean age of 25 (range, 15-51) years; mean ± SD body mass 70.15 ± 21.35 kg; Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I n=20, level II n=13.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresSix-minute walk test (6MWT) distance (m); lateral step-up (LSU) test performance (total repetitions); timed up-stairs (TUS) performance (s); maximum voluntary isometric strength of plantar flexors (PF) and dorsiflexors (DF) (Nm.kg^-1); and passive ankle joint and muscle stiffness.ResultsMaximum isometric PF strength independently explained 61% of variance in 6MWT performance; 57% of variance in LSU test performance; and 50% of variance in TUS test performance. GMFCS level was significantly and independently related to all three functional capacity outcomes, and age was retained as a significant independent predictor of LSU, and TUS test performance. Passive medial gastrocnemius muscle fascicle stiffness and ankle joint stiffness were not significantly related to functional capacity measures in any of the multiple regression models.ConclusionsLow isometric PF strength was the most important independent variable related to distance walked on the 6MWT, fewer repetitions on the LSU test, and slower TUS test performance. These findings suggest lower isometric muscle strength contributes to the decline in functional capacity in adults with CP.



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