ADULTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Effectiveness of Aerobic versus Resistance Training on mobility function
and health-related domains in ambulatory adults with Spastic Cerebral Palsy
and the relationships  to  inflammatory biomarkers and  muscle hemodynamics and oxygenation

Functioning decline with age is documented in the literature as the natural history of ambulatory adults with CP Ambulatory adults with spastic Cerebral Palsy are at risk for loss of function and reduced heath. Exercise training can improve overall health and fitness, and reduces the risk for chronic diseases and function loss in this population. The primary overall aim of this proposal is to compare the effectiveness of the two interventions, aerobic versus resistance training, on improving functional mobility and health related factors of ambulant adults with spastic CP GMFCS II-III. Preceding this goal, we aim to develop an aerobic and a resistance training protocol designed for this population. Secondary aims include the characterization of health related factors in this population including health related fitness, pain, fatigue and biomarkers values with a special interest in the CRP marker. Using the NIRS technology, we aim to characterize several physiological aspects of hemodynamics and oxygenation of the spastic muscle in this population and to explore the changes in these parameters that occur in muscle following aerobic training and strength training. With the cumulative results of this study, our goal will be to develop training guidelines (recommendations) for this population and to draw out responsive functional measures and health predicting tests for screening and follow-up.

Lead: Ronit Aviram, PhD student