Special Considerations for People with Cerebral Palsy

• Follow the FITT principle (Frequency, Intensity, Type, and Time). 
• Modify the prescription to the patients needs and be aware of their limitations. 
• Because of lack of movement control, energy expenditure is high even at low power output levels. What we might see as simple, can by very difficult. Pay attention to their words to see the difference between frustration, fear, and pain. 
• Give time for recovery. Recover after every  time intensity level is exceeded. Shorter durations of exertion may be recommended to work at the optimal intensity and allow for the right amount of recovery time. 
• Individuals with Cerebral Palsy will fatigue easily because of poor economic movement. 
• Fatigue will severely affect the hypertrophic muscles and can deteriorate the voluntary movement patterns. 
• To have a more effective training session, one must: 

• Several short training sessions are conducted rather than one longer session
• Relaxation and stretching routines are included throughout the session
• New skills are introduced early in the session. 
  

• Resistance training in individuals with Cerebral Palsy without an adverse effect on muscle tone. But this does not have a functional outcome. Focus more on flexibility training in conjuncture with any resistance training program. 
• Remember to stretch before and after workouts. People with cerebral palsy need the cool down and warm up to prevent muscle soreness, blood pooling, and muscle tightness. 
• The focus for working with children with cerebral palsy is on inhibiting abnormal reflex activity, normalizing muscle tone, and developing reactions to increase equilibrium.