Stretch-Shortening Cycle Exercise: Potential Implications For Children With Obstetric Brachial Plexus Injury

The SSC-Ex program was conducted for 35 minutes/session twice weekly over 12 weeks. The program was directed by a pediatric physical therapist in accordance with the safety performance guidelines defined by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US National Strength and Conditioning Association. The program consisted of ten unilateral and bilateral upper extremity exercises in the form of push-ups and ball slams/throws/passes activities and was preceded by a warm-up for 5 minutes and ended with a cool-down for 5 minutes.

The standard exercise program lasted for 35 minutes/session and repeated two times a week for 12 consecutive weeks. The program was conducted by a pediatric physical therapist and consisted of flexibility exercises, strength training, weight-bearing exercises, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, manual guidance, and functional training.