Studying Functional Power Training to Improve Participation and Walking in Children Ages 4 to 12 With Cerebral Palsy

What this Trial Is About

Children with cerebral palsy CP face challenges in walking due to motor impairments from early neurodevelopmental damage, affecting their ability to participate in physical and social activities. This can limit their overall development and well-being. Functional power training FPT, which combines high-velocity movements with resistance training, has emerged as a promising approach to improve walking ability, endurance, and participation compared to usual care or traditional strength training. This study aims to evaluate the effects of FPT, called MegaPower training, on personalized participation and activity goals in ambulant children with CP aged 4 to 12 years. The study compares two groups one receiving twelve weeks of MegaPower training with sessions three times a week guided by a personal trainer focusing on weighted functional exercises like walking, running, and stairs, combined with a personalized participation plan from a physiotherapist the other group receiving their usual care such as physiotherapy. After the initial 12-week period, both groups are followed up at 12 and 24 weeks to assess the lasting effects of the training. During follow-up, the control group also receives MegaPower training. Participants will attend visits at baseline, 12, 24, and 36 weeks to measure outcomes like achievement of participation goals, walking speed, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, physical activity, sleep, body composition, and self-perception. Researchers will track training implementation and explore which children benefit most from the program. The study includes various assessments using questionnaires, physical tests, and accelerometers to monitor progress and participation over time, ensuring comprehensive evaluation of the interventions impact.

Power2Walk: The Impact of Functional Power Training on Participation and Activity in Children With Cerebral Palsy.