Strength Training in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy Clinical Trial

Official title:

Stretch-shortening Cycle Exercises: an Efficient Training Model for Optimizing Gait-symmetry and Balance Capabilities in Children With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

Clinical Trial Details — Status: Completed

Administrative data

• NCT number: NCT04892576
• Other study ID #: RHPT/0018/0078
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: October 28, 2018
• Est. completion date: November 6, 2019

Study information

• Verified date: May 2021
• Source: Cairo University
• Contact: n/a
• Is FDA regulated: No
• Study type: Interventional

Clinical Trial Summary

This study was set out to assess the effect of stretch-shortening (SSC) exercises on gait-symmetry and balance in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP). Forty-two children with UCP were randomly allocated to the control group (n = 21, received standard physical rehabilitation) or the SSC group (n =21, received standard rehabilitation plus SSC exercises). Both groups were assessed for ait-symmetry and balance pre and post-treatment.

Description:

Forty-two children with UCP were recruited from the Physical Therapy Outpatient Clinic of Collee 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 8 and 12 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, attentional neglect, cardiopulmonary problems preventing them from performing high-intense exercise training.

Outcome measures

1. Gait-symmetry Indices: Gait symmetry indices (Spatial and temporal) were measured through a 3D motion analysis system.

2. Balance capabilities: several aspects of balance including sensory organization, reactive balance, and rhythmic weight shift were tested through a Pro Balance Master system.

The control and SSC groups received a standard rehabilitation program for 45 minutes, twice a week for eight consecutive weeks. The program comprised advanced balance training, and gait training exercises, postural and flexibility exercises, strength training exercises. Additionally, the SSC group received an SSC exercise program for 30 minutes, twice/week for eight weeks per the National Strength and Conditioning Association guidelines and American Academy of Pediatrics safety standards. The SSC program consisted of ten unilateral and bilateral lower limb plyometrics in the form of hopping/bounding/jumping activities. The SSC training was preceded by a warm-up for 5 minutes and ended up with a 5-min cooldown.

Recruitment information / eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Enrollment: 42
• Est. completion date: November 6, 2019
• Est. primary completion date: November 6, 2019
• Accepts healthy volunteers: No
• Gender: All
• Age group: 8 Years to 12 Years

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Unilateral cerebral palsy

• age from 8 to 12 years

• motor function level I or II according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System

• Spasticity level 1 or 1+ according to the Modified Ashworth Scale

Exclusion Criteria:

• Structural deformities

• Musculoskeletal or neural surgery in the last year

• BOTOX injection in the last 6 months.

• cardiopulmonary disorders interfering with the ability to engage in exercise training

• hemispatial neglect

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Cerebral Palsy

Intervention

Other:
• Physical Therapy
The control group recieved the standard physical rehabilitation program conducted for 45 minutes, twice a week for eight consecutive weeks, and consisted of advanced balance training, gait training, postural and flexibility exercises, and strength training exercises. The SSC group received the same program in addition to the SSC exercises for 30 minutes, two times per week for eight successive weeks

Locations

Country	Name	City	State
Saudi Arabia	Ragab K. Elnaggar	Al Kharj	Riyadh

Sponsors (1)

Lead Sponsor	Collaborator
Cairo University

Country where clinical trial is conducted

Saudi Arabia, 

Outcome

Type	Measure	Description	Time frame	Safety issue
Primary	Gait symmetry	Gait symmetry indices (spatial and temporal) were measured about the step length and single-limb support time of the paretic and non-paretic leg through a 3D motion analysis system	2 months
Primary	Balance Capabilities	Some aspects of balance capabilities including sensory organization, reactive balance, and rhythmic weight shift were measured through a Pro Balance Master sytem.	2 months