The Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation published research on simulated weight gain in children with cerebral palsy.  The children, with CP and without, underwent gait analysis after receiving an additional 10% of body weight via a weight belt.  The children with CP experienced a drop in speed and an increase in oxygen uptake when compared to the non impaired control group.

Reference:  Frank Plasschaert, MD, Kim Jones, PhD, MCSP, Malcolm Forward, PhD, CEng The Effect of Simulating Weight Gain on the Energy Cost of Walking in Unimpaired Children and Children With Cerebral Palsy Volume 89, Issue 12, Pages 2302-2308 (December 2008)