The Effects of Exercise on Cerebral Palsy
Faculty Sponsor(s)
Janet Peterson
Location
Jereld R. Nicholson Library: Grand Avenue
Subject Area
Health, Human Performance and Athletics
Description
There is limited research on the effects exercise has on a Cerebral Palsy (CP) diagnosis. The purpose of this case study is to test a modified prolonged muscle stretching protocol to increase range of motion (ROM) and reduce spasticity in the wrist. The client is a 19-year-old male who has CP. The protocol reduced a modern 30-minute prolonged muscle stretching protocol to 10 minutes in three different motions: wrist extension, supination, and pronation. Adaptations were made if the client’s muscle entered a state of spasticity. The client was instructed to complete the exercise once a day. Wrist ROM was measured using a standard goniometer. Measurements were taken at baseline, two weeks, and two weeks after the last session. The protocol was completed nine times in two weeks (64% compliance). Results showed increases in pronation ROM, no change in left supination and left extension, and decreased right supination and right extension ROM. Greater ROM increases independence and quality of life. This case study provides further understanding of the positive effects of exercise on people with CP and increases the awareness of the need for more knowledge regarding the benefits of exercise in CP.
Recommended Citation
Kemper, Cameron, "The Effects of Exercise on Cerebral Palsy" (2019). Linfield University Student Symposium: A Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Achievement. Event. Submission 60.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/symposium/2019/all/60
The Effects of Exercise on Cerebral Palsy
Jereld R. Nicholson Library: Grand Avenue
There is limited research on the effects exercise has on a Cerebral Palsy (CP) diagnosis. The purpose of this case study is to test a modified prolonged muscle stretching protocol to increase range of motion (ROM) and reduce spasticity in the wrist. The client is a 19-year-old male who has CP. The protocol reduced a modern 30-minute prolonged muscle stretching protocol to 10 minutes in three different motions: wrist extension, supination, and pronation. Adaptations were made if the client’s muscle entered a state of spasticity. The client was instructed to complete the exercise once a day. Wrist ROM was measured using a standard goniometer. Measurements were taken at baseline, two weeks, and two weeks after the last session. The protocol was completed nine times in two weeks (64% compliance). Results showed increases in pronation ROM, no change in left supination and left extension, and decreased right supination and right extension ROM. Greater ROM increases independence and quality of life. This case study provides further understanding of the positive effects of exercise on people with CP and increases the awareness of the need for more knowledge regarding the benefits of exercise in CP.
