Acceptability of a progressive resistance training programme for ambulatory adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy in England: a qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore the acceptability of a 10-week progressive resistance training programme from the perspective of ambulatory adolescents with CP and physiotherapists.

Material and Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 adolescents with spastic CP, aged 10–19 years in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I–III, and 13 physiotherapists. Adolescents had completed a 10-week progressive resistance training programme and physiotherapists had delivered the programme. The Framework Method was used to analyse data.

Results

The analysis identified four themes. “It’s do-able” described the acceptability of the programme structure, including the frequency of sessions and the duration of the programme. “They were difficult but I did it” described the acceptability of the exercises. “It is completely different,” explored the experience of using equipment to progress the programme and “I wish I could do it on a permanent basis” discussed continuing to participate in resistance training.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that resistance training is largely acceptable to adolescents and physiotherapists. Acceptability was enhanced by having a weekly supervised session and being able to adapt and progress the exercises to meet the individual’s ability. However, there are challenges to implementing progressive resistance training as part of routine practice.Clinical trial registration number: ISRCTN90378161

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Progressive resistance training is largely acceptable to ambulatory adolescents with cerebral palsy and physiotherapists.

• Adolescents’ ability to complete the exercises increased their confidence and motivated them to continue with the programme.

• Adolescents valued being supervised by a physiotherapist and believed they needed a physiotherapist to progress the exercises and motivate them to perform to their maximum capacity.

• Within the National Health Service (NHS), limited time and equipment may prevent implementation of resistance training for adolescents with CP in accordance with guidelines.

• A short-term resistance training programme delivered by physiotherapists in the NHS may provide the foundation for continuing participation in resistance training in a community setting.

Acknowledgement

Action Medical Research and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Charitable Trust have jointly funded this project, and it is supported by a generous grant from The Henry Smith Charity (GN2340).

Ethical approval

The trial was approved by Brunel University London’s College of Health and Life Sciences Research Ethics Committee and the Surrey Borders Research Ethics Committee (ref: 15/LO/0843).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)..

Data availability statement

Data are not available.