Training of ambulatory individuals with cerebral palsy

Abstract

The effect of training on the physical work capacity (PWC) and the physiological response to simulated tasks of seven ambulatory individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) were studied. Energy demand for each work task was determined by percentage of PWC (%PWC). Results indicate that an eight week training program increased the PWC as evaluated by an exercise test on the Schwinn Air-Dyne Ergometer. The performance of the individuals for the simulated tasks measured in %PWC increased significantly, suggesting that individuals with CP could benefit from a training program and would be able to work eight hours before experiencing fatigue.