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Strength Training and GMFCS IV

Developmental Neurorehabilitation published a case study to evaluate functional strength training (4x/wee x 10 weeks) for a 9 year old child classified as a level IV according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).  Data was collected using an isokinetic dynomometer, the Gross Motor Function Measure and the Timed Up and Go test at baseline, 5 weeks and 10 week post intervention.  The results indicated the following:

  • improvements were found in hip, knee and ankle muscles strength
  • increase in GMFM-88 score
  • decrease in time for TUG test performance.

Reference:   Dos Santos AN, da Costa CS, Golineleo MT, Rocha NA. Functional strength training in child with cerebral palsy GMFCS IV: Case report. Dev Neurorehabil. 2013 Apr 25. [Epub ahead of print]