Group-based progressive functional, high-intensity training in adolescents and young adults with unilateral cerebral palsy - a tool to improve gross motor function, endurance and gait? - a pilot study

PurposeThis pilot study assessed the safety and effects of progressive functional high-intensity training in a group setting for adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) on daily function indicators.MethodsNine adolescents (mean age 16.9 years, GMFCS levels I-II) participated in 12 weeks of training (2x/week). Evaluations included 3D gait analysis, the 6-min walking test (6MWT), clinical exams, and the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66).ResultsNo adverse events occurred, and GMFM-66 scores significantly improved (p = .031, Delta = 2.19%). Although increases in 6MWT (p = .09, Delta = 29.8 m) performance and propulsion ratio (p = .067, Delta = 5.4%) for the affected leg were observed, they were not statistically significant.DiscussionThe study suggests that this training is safe and may enhance gross motor function, endurance, and gait asymmetry in unilateral CP. Future research should include upper limb evaluations and out-of-clinic motion analysis with wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) to provide a more comprehensive assessment of functional movements.