Plantar flexor voluntary activation capacity, strength and function in cerebral palsy.

Purpose: Distal lower limb motor impairment impacts gait mechanics in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), however, the contribution of impairments of muscle activation to reduced gross motor function (GMF) is not clear. This study aimed to investigate deficits in plantar flexion voluntary activation capacity in CP compared to typically developed (TD) peers, and evaluate relationships between voluntary activation capacity, strength and GMF.

Methods: Fifteen ambulant individuals with spastic CP (23 ± 6 years, GMFCS I-III) and 14 TD (22 ± 2 years) people participated.

Impact of Lower Limb Active Movement Training in Individuals With Spastic Type Cerebral Palsy on Neuromuscular Control Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neurological condition that results in motor impairment which increases proximally to distally along the lower extremity (i.e., greatest impairment at the ankle).