 |
| Research article summary (published 29 Sep 2009): |
Muscle deficits in cerebral palsy and early loss of mobility: can we learn something from our elders?
Full Abstract
Ambulant young people with cerebral palsy (CP) have reduced muscle volumes in their lower limbs (as low as 50% of their weight-matched typically-developing peers). Yet, they may complete a 'timed up-and-go' test at similar speeds to unaffected persons. Perhaps, these individuals are able to maintain high levels of function because their muscle deficits have not fallen below the threshold values required to perform certain motor tasks. This is consistent with data from studies of progressive strengthening in children with mild CP. These programmes improve muscular output but have limited immediate effect on functional capacity. Sarcopenia is responsible for much of the loss of muscle mass in the typically developing adult. The decline in muscle mass begins in the mid-twenties and occurs rapidly after the 7th decade. It is possible that the muscle deficits characteristic of young people with CP, coupled with the decline of muscle properties in adulthood, contribute to an early loss of mobility in this group. In the typically developing elderly, progressive strengthening is thought to extend mobility. Perhaps, the real value of strengthening programmes in CP is to improve muscular reserve in the short-term and to maintain muscle mass above critical thresholds in the long-term.
Author information
Author/s: Shortland, Adam (A);
Affiliation: Guy's & St Thomas' Foundation Trust, London, UK. adam.shortland(-atsign-)gstt.nhs.uk
Journal and publication information
Publication Type: Journal Article; Review
Journal: Developmental medicine and child neurology (Dev Med Child Neurol), published in England. (Language: eng)
Reference: 2009-Oct; vol 51 Suppl 4 (issue ) : pp 59-63
Dates: Created 2009/09/10; Completed 2009/10/06;
PMID: 19740211, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/6/2009, IMS Date: )
Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.
External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):
Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.
This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.
MeSH headings (categories)
This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.
Related articles
These are the highest related articles currently in the database:
- Effects of physical activity on strength and skeletal muscle fat infiltration in older adults: a randomized controlled trial.
23 Sep 2008 - Activating muscle stem cells: therapeutic potential in muscle diseases. 29 Sep 2007
- Effects of training on female trapezius Myalgia: An intervention study with a 3-year follow-up period. 13 Apr 2002
- Muscle injuries: biology and treatment. 29 Apr 2005
- Cerebral palsy improvement achieved by coordination dynamics therapy. 29 Nov 2005
- Role of exercise in the assessment and management of neuromuscular disease in children. 30 Mar 1996
- Novel biomechanics demonstrate gait dysfunction due to hamstring tightness. 5 Oct 2005
- Low-frequency fatigue and neuromuscular performance after exercise-induced damage to elbow flexor muscles. 5 Aug 2008
- Comparison between old and young men for responses to fast velocity maximal lengthening contractions of the elbow flexors. 25 Jun 2008
- A randomized clinical trial of strength training in young people with cerebral palsy. 29 Sep 2003
Related Article Map
3/30/1996
9/23/2008
Higher Relevance Score (100)
Lower Relevance Score (77)
Legend: - FREE Full text Article. - Abstract only. 
- Title only. More help.
See a large map of 100+ related articles.