FES Assisted Cycling in Children With CP

Aim 1: To compare the effects of 8-weeks of FES-assisted cycling training on improving cardiorespiratory fitness, walking function, self-motivated exercise/recreation, self-perception and functional mobility and quality of life of adolescents with spastic CP with marginal walking ability (Gross Motor Function Classification System Levels II - IV) vs. 8-weeks of volitional cycling training and a non-intervention control group. Aim 2: To compare the effects of 8-weeks FES-assisted cycling training on changes in cycling ability of adolescents with spastic CP with marginal walking ability vs. 8-weeks of volitional cycling training and a nonintervention control group. Aim 3: To elucidate the mechanisms for potential improvements in cycling ability after 8-weeks of FES-assisted or volitional cycling training of adolescents with spastic CP and marginal walking ability.