The effect of combined functional anaerobic and strength training on treadmill gait kinematics and kinetics in ambulatory young adults with cerebral palsy

Background: Leg muscle weakness is a major impairment for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and is related to reduced functional capacity. Evidence is limited regarding the translation of strength improvements following conventional resistance training to improved gait outcomes. Research Question: Does a combined functional anaerobic and lower limb strength training intervention improve gait kinematics and kinetics in individuals with CP aged 15–30 years? 17 young adults (21 ± 4 years, 9 males, GMFCS I = 11, II = 6) were randomized to 12 weeks, 3 sessions per week, of high intensity functional anaerobic and progressive resistance training of the lower limbs (n = 8), or a waitlist control group (n = 9). Pre- and post-training outcomes included maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle at foot contact and during stance, gait profile score, ankle and hip power generation during late stance, and the ratio of ankle to hip power generation. Results: There were no between-group differences after the intervention for any kinematic or kinetic gait outcome variable. Within-group analysis revealed an increase in peak ankle power during late stance (0.31 ± 0.28 W·kg −1 , p = 0.043) and ankle to hip power ratio (0.43 ± 0.37, p = 0.034) following training in the intervention group. Significance: We have previously reported increased overground walking capacity, agility and sprint power, in the training group compared to the control group at 12-weeks. These changes in overground measures of functional capacity occurred in the absence of changes in treadmill gait kinematics and kinetics reported here. ANZCTR: 12614001217695. © 2019 Elsevier B.V.