Unilateral Versus Bilateral Lower-Limb Plyometric Training in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy Clinical Trial

Official title: Paretic-limb-only Plyometric Training Versus Volume-matched Double-limb Training for Ameliorating Balance Capability and Gait Symmetry in Adolescents With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy: A Comparative Study

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

This study was set out to compare the effect of paretic-limb-only plyometric training versus double-limb training on balance capability and gait symmetry in adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy (U-CP). Sixty-nine children with U-CP were randomly allocated to the paretic-limb-only plyometric training group (n = 23; performed plyometric movements/exercises unilaterally using the paretic leg only), the double-limb plyometric training group (n = 23; performed plyometric movements/exercises bilaterally through both lower legs), or the Control group (n =23, received standard rehabilitation plus SSC exercises). All groups were assessed for gait-symmetry and balance capability pre and post-treatment.

Clinical Trial Description

Sixty-nine children with U-CP were recruited from the Physical Therapy Outpatient Clinic of College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, King Khalid Hospital, and a tertiary referral hospital, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia. Their age ranged between 12 and 18 years, were functioning at levels I or II according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System, and had spasticity level 1 or 1+ per the Modified Ashworth Scale. Children were excluded if they had fixed deformities, underwent neuromuscular or orthopedic surgery in the last 12 months, submitted to BOTOX injection in the past 6 months, had attentional neglect, and if they had cardiopulmonary problems preventing them from performing high-intense exercise training.

Outcome measures

• Gait-symmetry Indices: Gait symmetry indices (Spatial and temporal) were measured through the portable GAITRite system.

• Dynamic balance: The directional dynamic limit of stability (forward, backward, paretic, and non-paretic) and overall limit of stability were assessed using the Biodex balance system.

All groups were trained for 45 minutes, twice per week, for 12 successive weeks. The paretic-limb-only plyometric training group performed plyometric movements/exercises unilaterally using the paretic leg only. The double-limb plyometric training group performed plyometric movements/exercises bilaterally through both lower legs. The plyometric training program consisted of five unilateral and five bilateral lower limb plyometrics in the form of hopping/bounding/jumping activities. The plyometric training was preceded by a warm-up for 5 minutes and ended up with a 5-min cooldown. The control group received the standard rehabilitation program, which comprised advanced balance training, and gait training exercises, postural and flexibility exercises, strength training exercises. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Cerebral Palsy

• NCT number: NCT05302102
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Cairo University
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: January 6, 2019
• Completion date: August 27, 2020