The study was carried out thanks to Financial Aid for Research under the Real Madrid - Universidad Europea de Madrid Research Chair.

Strength exercises for children with cerebral palsy delays their functional deterioration and the need to use a wheelchair. These are the conclusions reached by a study headed up by Universidad Europea de Madrid that has recently been awarded with the III National Award for Research in Sports Medicine from the School of Sports Medicine at Universidad de Oviedo.

The results of the research project, entitled “Traditional strength training vs. training applying mechanical neuromuscular stimulation using a vibrating platform for children with cerebral palsy” in which 57 patients suffering from this illness took part, “sets out on a new path that complements the treatments used up until now which involves gentle rehabilitation for these children that, we believe, does not halt their progressive deterioration. In fact, according to our experience, it is unclear whether the loss of functionality suffered is due to the illness itself or due to the fact that every day movements are worsened and patients are weaker”, explains Professor Margarita Pérez, head of the Exercise Physiology Laboratory at Universidad Europea de Madrid and principal researcher for this study that was carried out thanks to the Financial Aid for Research under the Real Madrid - Universidad Europea de Madrid Research Chair.

Children suffering from grades I and II cerebral palsy have a reduced functional ability compared to healthy children, that in the long term has an impact on a higher number of illnesses associated with sendentarism, noted Margarita Pérez. “According to our research, one of the limiting factors of this ability is the muscular system, so by improving the strength of these children in the most appropriate way, we can help them carry out their daily activities. On this point, we have proved that strength training using a vibrating platform is a good tool for developing muscular strength in these children and adolescents”, she affirms.

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