Strength Training for Adolescents with cerebral palsy (STAR): study protocol of a randomised controlled trial to determine the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of resistance training for adolescents with cerebral palsy

Ryan, J, Theis, Nicola ORCID: 0000-0002-0775-1355, Kilbride, C, Baltzopoulos, V, Waugh, C, Shotland, A, Lavelle, G, Noorkoiv, M, Levin, W and Korff, T (2016) Strength Training for Adolescents with cerebral palsy (STAR): study protocol of a randomised controlled trial to determine the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of resistance training for adolescents with cerebral palsy. BMJ Open, 6. pp. 1-13. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012839

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Abstract

Introduction: Gait is inefficient in children with cerebral palsy, particularly as they transition to adolescence. Gait inefficiency may be associated with declines in gross motor function and participation among adolescents with cerebral palsy. Resistance training may improve gait efficiency through a number of biomechanical and neural mechanisms. The aim of the Strength Training for Adolescents with cerebral palsy (STAR) trial is to evaluate the effect of resistance training on gait efficiency, activity and participation in adolescents with cerebral palsy. We also aim to determine the biomechanical and neural adaptations that occur following resistance training and evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of such an intervention for adolescents with cerebral palsy. Methods and analysis: 60 adolescents (Gross Motor Function Classification System level I–III) will be randomised to a 10-week resistance training group or a usual care control group according to a computer generated random schedule. The primary outcome is gait efficiency. Secondary outcomes are habitual physical activity, participation, muscle–tendon mechanics and gross motor function. General linear models will be used to evaluate differences in continuous data between the resistance training and usual care groups at 10 and 22 weeks, respectively. A process evaluation will be conducted alongside the intervention. Fidelity of the resistance training programme to trial protocol will be quantified by observations of exercise sessions. Semi structured interviews will be conducted with participants and physiotherapists following the resistance training programme to determine feasibility and acceptability of the programme. Ethics and dissemination: This trial has ethical approval from Brunel University London’s Department of Clinical Sciences’ Research Ethics Committee and the National Research Ethics Service (NRES) Committee London—Surrey Borders. The results of the trial will be submitted for publication in academic journals, presented at conferences and distributed to adolescents, families and healthcare professionals through the media with the assistance of the STAR advisory group.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Subjects:	Q Science > QP Physiology R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics > RJ125 Physiology of children and adolescents R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics > RJ125 Physiology of children and adolescents > RJ131 Children Growth. Child development R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics > RJ370 Diseases of children and adolescents
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education and Science
Research Priority Areas:	Health, Life Sciences, Sport and Wellbeing
Depositing User:	Nicola Theis
Date Deposited:	18 Oct 2017 13:17
Last Modified:	31 Aug 2023 09:09
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/5016

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