Resistance Intensive Personal Training for Youth with Cerebral Palsy

Changes related to Cerebral Palsy (CP) include differences in muscle architecture and cortical activity. These result in weakness, decreased functional ability and limited participation in physical activity. Strength training programs, particularly those including power training components, show great potential in improving the gross motor function of youth with CP. However, this intervention is not currently offered in the Calgary area. Delivered via an innovative partnership with community stakeholders, this project will investigate the preliminary effectiveness of the program to enable youth with CP to achieve child and family centered goals. It will also investigate the feasibility of offering this type of program via a community-hospital partnership. Research Question \& Objectives: 1. Can youth with cerebral palsy achieve their goals and improve their motor function through RIPT (Resistance Intensive Personal Training), a power training program offered jointly by specialized physiotherapists and fitness professionals in community settings? 2. What are the barriers and facilitators to delivery of RIPT in a community setting for youth, caregivers, clinicians, and program staff?