Effect of Functional Progressive Resistance Exercise on Lower Extremity Structure, Muscle Tone, Dynamic Balance and Functional Ability in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of functional progressive resistance exercise (FPRE) on muscle tone, dynamic balance and functional ability in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Twenty-five subjects were randomized into two groups: the FPRE group (n = 13) and the control group (n = 12). The experimental group participated in an FPRE program for 30 min per day, three times per week for six weeks. Knee extensor strength, rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI), muscle tone, dynamic balance, and functional ability was evaluated. The results showed statistically significant time × group interaction effects on the dominant side for knee extensor strength and cross-sectional area (CSA) in RUSI (p < 0.05). On both sides for thickness of the quadriceps (TQ) in RUSI, muscle tone and dynamic balance were statistically significant time × group interaction effects (p < 0.05). Additionally, knee extensor strength, CSA, TQ in RUS, muscle tone, dynamic balance and gross motor function measure (GMFM) in functional ability were significantly increased between pre- and post-intervention within the FPRE group (p < 0.05). The results suggest that FPRE is both feasible and beneficial for improving muscle tone, dynamic balance and functional ability in children with spastic cerebral palsy.