Below excerpts taken from  "For the Good of the Children", by Rebecca Mayer; Advance Magazine for Physical Therapists, 3/10/08, Vol.19 No.6: ..."research has shown that increasing the muscle-force generating ability of children with cerebral palsy (CP) can improve function during activities such as sitting, standing and walking...strength training is an often overlooked component in the habilitation of children with CP and must be included in any program that promotes physical fitness...cerebral palsy is a complex neuromuscular condition which typically affects movement, mobility and coordination. Based on the notion that children with CP may get stronger with exercise and that increased strength may improve walking and other activities, the researchers are using electricity to stimulate CP patients' muscles to increase strength. The study will determine if exercising with electricity is better than regular exercise or no exercise at all for this patient population. "

Now, you'd think that regular exercise would be the most beneficial, right? Read on:

"We know that children with CP are not able to activate their muscles as well as typically developing children...the idea is that stimulation can help activate more of the muscle to create a stronger contraction...The overall goal of the study is to determine if using high-intensity, short-duration intermittent neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is better than volitional exercises...experts believe that life-long physical therapy is crucial for CP patients to maintain muscle tone, bone structure, and prevent dislocation of the joints. This study is designed to develop improved rehabilitation techniques for children with CP. Volitional strength training in children with CP has been proven to produce substantial gains in force production with concomittant gains in function. Volitional strength training, however, may not be optimal for producting strength gains in this population due to reduced voluntary muscle activation..."

I'll go on a limb to say that any kind of stimulation is better than no stimulation! Contact me if you'd like to learn more re: strength training or NMES options!