Intensive Therapy in Adults with Cerebral Palsy? Yes, They Can! A Retrospective Study on Short-Term Functional Outcomes of an Intensive Goal-Oriented Strengthening Program

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of a 4-week intensive, goal-oriented muscle strengthening program on functional goal attainment, physical performance, fatigue, and self-esteem in ambulatory adults with cerebral palsy (CP).DesignRetrospective monocentric uncontrolled observational study.ParticipantsSixty-six ambulatory adults with hemiplegic, diplegic or quadriplegic CP, classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-III.MethodsThe intervention consisted in a 4-week intensive group program (48 h total) focused on individualized, goal-directed muscle strengthening. Functional goals were assessed with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Physical performance included the 6-Minute Walk Test, Gross Motor Function Measure, and muscle strength testing. Fatigue was measured using the Fatigue Impact Scale, and self-esteem with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.ResultsMost goals concerned mobility (32%), domestic activities (25%), and leisure (19%). Significant improvements were observed in COPM performance (+1.8) and satisfaction (+2.4), walking distance (+49.4 m), GMFM dimensions D and E (+2.9 and +3), and muscle strength (all p<0.001). Fatigue decreased across all FIS domains, and self-esteem improved modestly. No correlation was found between fatigue reduction and motor gains.ConclusionThis first study of intensive group therapy in adults with CP shows that participation in the program was associated in improvements in short-term functional outcomes without increasing fatigue, aligns with patient priorities, and may support active and healthy aging. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to the study design.