Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on endurance, strength, function, and self-perception in ambulatorry adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy. The intent was to utilize fitness equipment readily available in schools, colleges, and community fitness centeres and testing procedures, which can be easily adapted to clinical settings. Methods: Three participants with varying classifications of spastic cerebral palsy were involved in the single systems A1B1A2B2 design to study changes before, during and after two different regimens of aerobic exercise. Data collection during the different phases included the energy expenditure index (EEI), measurement of lower extremity muscle strength using a handheld dynamometer, the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and the Self-Perception Profile for College Students (SPPCS) Results: One participant showed a significant improvement in the EEI, one had no change in EEI and another participant showed a significant deterioration in EEI, however all participants had a significant improvement in at least one of the components of the EEI. Combined mean strength of bilateral quadriceps, hamstrings, plantarflexor and dorsiflexor muscles increased for all participants. Gross motor function improved for all participants in at least one phase of the study. There was an improvement in the self-perception of appearance for all participants. Two participants improved the symmetry of muscle strength in the lower extremities. The initial exercise intervention phase showed some evidence of overtraining effects. Conclusions: The use of aerobic exercise, while maintaining the HR at appropriate levels, may aid in increasing the strength of the lower extremity muscles, decrease the amount of energy required to ambulate, improve gross motor function and improve self-perception for some adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy.
