Impact of resisted therapy on motor function in children with cerebral palsy

Muscle weakness in cerebral palsy (CP) contributes to disability to a greater extent than muscle spasticity itself. Previous studies suggest that resisted exercises would increase muscle strength without increasing spasticity, opening the possibility that this increase in strength could be associated simultaneously with improvements in gait or motor function.

The results of the meta-analysis published in the journal Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) include 15 studies with a total of 384 patients and show a positive effect on motor function, statistically significant, in favor of the use of resisted therapy in weakened muscles in Children population with PC. Resisted therapy would not only increase the strength of the muscles of children with CP, but this increase in strength would also have an impact on motor function, which supports the incorporation of this therapy into clinical practice in the PC approach.

This meta-analysis is part of Luisa Collado's doctoral thesis, directed by Dr. Miguel Santibañez, and the Nursing Department of the University of Cantabria and the Rehabilitation Service of the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital participated in its preparation.

Within this line of action, in the Rehabilitation service, with the support of an IDIVAL Next-Val support to support emerging researchers, a clinical trial on Resisted Therapy in patients with muscular spasticity and diagnosis of Stroke is being developed.

Ref. Impact of Resistance Therapy on Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Luisa Collado-Garrido, Paula Parás-Bravo, Pilar Calvo-Martín and Miguel Santibáñez-Margüello. Doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16224513