Strength Training-Induced Changes in Muscle Size and Motor Improvement in Bilateral Schizencephaly

The present case study highlights the effects of a novel Comprehensive Hand Repetitive Intensive Strengthening Training (CHRIST) on morphological changes and associated upper extremity (UE) muscle strength and motor performance in a child with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (CP). The Child, a 10-year-old girl with spastic quadriplegic CP, was treated with CHRIST for 60 minutes a day, five times a week, for 5 weeks. The CHRIST was designed to improve motor function and strength. Clinical tests including the modified Wolf Test, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, and Pediatric Motor Activity Log questionnaire were used to determine motor function. Ultrasound imaging was performed to determine the changes in the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and triceps brachii (TRO Muscle strength was measured with a dynamometer at pretest, and post-test, and 3-month follow-up. Ultrasound imaging data showed that the CSAs of both ECR and TRI muscles were enhanced as a func-tion of the intervention. These changes were associated with muscle strength and motor performance and their effects remained even at a 3-month follow-up test. our results suggest that the CHRIST was effective at treating muscle atrophy, weakness and motor dysfunction in a child with spastic quadriplegic CP.