Abstract

Background and Aim: Cerebral palsy is a sensory and motor disease that affected control of posture and movement. Children with cerebral palsy show dysfunction in body such as spasticity, decreased muscle strength and selective control of movement that may limit functional activity and participation in daily life . The purpose of this study is to investigate effects of 8-Weeks progressive resistance training program on physical and motor status in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Materials and Methods: This study was semi-experimental with the interventional approachon16children of 4-12 years old with hemiplegic cerebral palsy in the first and second level of GMFCS classification that referred to rehabilitation center in Ilam city . Protocol of training was consisted of 16 one-hour sessions progressive resistance training in the case muscle group s ( 8 subjects) . Upper extremity muscles strength were measured by digita l dynamometer and gross motor function were evaluated by Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) at before and after intervention.

Results: The strength of dominant hand muscle groups was improved significantly after the intervention , also the scores of stand ing, walking , running and jumping were increased (p<0.05). There was no significant effect in strength of involved hand.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that progressive resistance training improve gross motor function and increase isometric strength in the dominant hand

Keywords: Hemiplegic cerebral palsy, Physical status, Motor function, Progressive resistive excercises (PRE).