Long-term Exercise Effects from Robotic Walking

The vision of the Long-term Exercise Effects from Robotic Walking (LEER) research program is to develop optimal, individualized exercise strategies that would in turn enhance the health and well-being of non-ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP). To date, it has not been possible to study exercise among non-ambulatory children with cerebral palsy in a structured and standardized manner. Improved possibilities to carry out such studies are now offered by the robotic medical device Innowalk, which allows various training options in an upright weight-bearing position. In order to design optimal exercise strategies for children with cerebral palsy, the investigators will examine the effects of two tailored training programs, using Innowalk. Changes in cardiopulmonary and metabolic parameters, and in the levels of brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) will be examined. The investigators will assess the acute (1 day), adaptive (16 weeks), and long-term (1 year) effects of the exercise programs through indirect calorimetry and blood samples at multiple time points. The investigators will also study the environmental and behavioral factors facilitating and hindering participation in exercise, by semi-structured interviews. The goal is to design improved individualized exercise programs that will increase health and well-being in the children and their families, thereby decreasing the use of medications and healthcare.