OBJECTIVE: Children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (hCP) experience a disorganized muscle activation pattern that adversely affect their ability to respond to balance perturbations. This study examined the effect of plyometric exercises on muscle-activation strategies and response-capacity to balance threats in children with hCP. METHODS: In a pre-, posttest control-group study, 34 children with hCP were allocated randomly to either the control group (n = 17; received a traditional physical rehabilitation program, lasted for 45 minutes/session, twice/week for three successive months) or the plyometric group (n = 17; received a progressive plyometric training program in three blocks, twice/week over three months plus the traditional physical rehabilitation). Quadriceps/hamstring co-contraction ratio (Q/H Co-CR) and response-capacity to balance threats were assessed pre- and post-treatment. RESULTS: Post-treatment, the Q/H Co-CR and balance control improved significantly in the control (p = 0.03, p = 0.0003 respectively) and plyomteric group (p = 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively). However, the plyometric group showed better improvements in Q/H Co-CR (p = 0.0001) and balance control (p = 0.027) when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Incorporation of plyometric exercises into traditional physical rehabilitation could improve muscle-activation strategies and enhance balance control in children with hCP.

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