Effects of voluntary exercise on muscle structure and function in cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that can cause muscle weakness and loss of function. Voluntary exercise, such as cycling, walking, running, and resistance training, can help to improve muscle structure and function in children and adolescents with CP.

This review explores how muscles adapt to various forms of exercise in children and adolescents with CP. The authors found that voluntary exercise can lead to a number of positive changes in muscle structure, including increases in muscle size, length of muscle fiber groups (fascicles), and muscle fiber density. These changes can lead to improvements in muscle strength, power, and range of motion.

The authors also discuss the importance of designing exercise programs that are tailored to the individual needs of each child or adolescent with CP. They suggest that exercise programs should focus on increasing fascicle length, as this can help to reduce the severity of contractures and improve muscle function. Following recommended guidelines for dosing parameters when training is essential to achieve the individual's goals.

Overall, this paper provides evidence that voluntary exercise can be an effective way to improve muscle structure and function. This should encourage more activity and participation in children and adolescents with CP.

Here are some key takeaways:

• Voluntary exercise can help to improve muscle structure and function in children and adolescents with CP.
• Exercise programs should be tailored to the individual needs of each individual.
• Exercise programs should focus on increasing fascicle length, as this can help to mitigate contractures and improve muscle function.

Moreau NG, Lieber RL. Effects of voluntary exercise on muscle structure and function in cerebral palsy. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2022; 64: 700–708. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15173