Skeletal Muscle Size Is An Important Factor For Racerunning Performance In Individuals With Cerebral Palsy: 1753 Board #347 May 28 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

PURPOSE: The RaceRunner, a three-wheeled running bike, enables individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) to propel themselves forward in a running-like motion with enough intensity to promote training adaptations. The influence of physiological parameters on RaceRunning (RR) performance is currently not well understood. The purpose of the study was to investigate correlations between physical parameters and RaceRunning performance. METHODS: Sixty-two individuals (mean age 22, range 9-45, 32 males/30 females) with CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System, GMFCS I-V; 2-28-12-23-2)completed a 6-min RaceRunning test. Before the test, selective motor control (SMC) of ankle dorsi-flexion, passive range of motion and spasticity of hip, knee and ankle were assessed. Thickness of thigh and calf muscles were measured with ultrasound. Heart rate was monitored throughout the test and blood lactate was measured before and directly after the test. RESULTS: Performance on the 6-min RR test was influence by GMFCS but was independent of age. Strong correlations (r> ± 0.500, p<0.01) were detected between the 6-min RR test performance and spasticity in extensor muscles of hip and knee, SMC of ankle dorsiflexion, muscle thickness of thigh and calf muscles of the less affected limb.Average and maximum heart rate, as well as lactate correlated positively to performance on the 6-min RR test. CONCLUSIONS: Spasticityin extensor-muscles of hip and knee and poor selective motor control in ankle effects RaceRunning performance negatively. Skeletal muscle mass is an important factor for RaceRunning performance. Our findings stress the need for optimization of physical exercise regimes for individuals with CP in order to stimulate maintenance of skeletal muscle mass and function enabling full performance.