Effects of Task Specific Circuit Training on Gross Motor Function, Balance, and Quality of Life in Cerebral Palsy

Foundation University Islamabad

Status: Completed

Conditions: Quality of Life (QOL); Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Treatments: Procedure: Conventional Physical Therapy; Procedure: Task-Specific Circuit Training (TSCT)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07283133

FUI/CTR/2025/13

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study investigates how Task-Specific Circuit Training (TSCT) affects gross motor function, balance, and quality of life in children with Cerebral Palsy. Two groups will be compared: one receiving TSCT and the other receiving conventional physiotherapy. Outcome measures, such as the GMFM, Pediatric Balance Scale, and CP-QoL questionnaire, will be recorded before and after a 8-week intervention (40-50 minutes, 3 sessions per week). Participants will be screened using GMFCS levels I-III. The study aims to determine whether TSCT provides greater improvements in functional mobility, postural control, and overall well-being compared to standard therapy.

Full description

This study evaluates the effects of a task-specific circuit training program on functional performance in individuals with cerebral palsy. The intervention is based on motor learning principles and emphasizes repetitive, goal-directed, and functionally relevant activities to enhance neuromuscular control and postural stability.

The task-specific circuit training protocol consists of a series of functional workstations targeting gross motor activities commonly required in daily life, including transitional movements, ambulation-related tasks, and static and dynamic balance activities. Exercises are individualized and progressively modified by adjusting task complexity, repetitions, and external support based on participant performance and tolerance. All training sessions are supervised by trained physiotherapists to ensure standardized implementation and safety.

The intervention is delivered over a structured training period with multiple sessions per week. Each session follows a standardized format consisting of a warm-up phase, circuit-based task-specific exercises, and a cool-down phase. The training approach prioritizes active participation, task repetition, and functional relevance to promote motor performance and functional independence.

The study examines changes in functional outcomes following the intervention period to determine the clinical utility of task-specific circuit training as a rehabilitation strategy for individuals with cerebral palsy.

Enrollment: 34 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 5 to 12 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Confirmed diagnosis of Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy.
• Age range 5-12 years.
• GMFCS Levels I-III, indicating the ability to walk independently or with assistance.
• Modified Ashworth Scale score 0 to ≤ 2.
• Sufficient cognitive ability to participate in training and follow instructions.

Exclusion criteria

• Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score greater than 2 in key muscle groups.
• GMFCS Levels IV-V, indicating inability to walk.
• History of frequent seizures.
• Inability to follow verbal or visual instructions, or presence of severe cognitive impairment.
• Recent orthopedic surgery or Botulinum Toxin (Botox) injections.
• Severe musculoskeletal abnormalities such as spinal deformities, hip dislocation, or significant contractures limiting movement.
• Any respiratory, metabolic, or cardiovascular condition that may limit safe participation.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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34 participants in 2 patient groups

Task-specific circuit training (TSCT)

Experimental group

Description:

Task-specific circuit training (TSCT) is a high-intensity, progressive programme aimed at improving functional movement through real-life tasks. It consists of 14 workstations, each performing for 1.5 minutes, with a 3-minute rest after completing the full circuit (total \~21 minutes). Activities include standing and reaching, sit-to-stand, stepping, heel/toe raises, squats, stair climbing, balance exercises, core strengthening, and cycling. This structured circuit enhances gross motor skills, balance, coordination, and overall functional performance.

Treatment:

Procedure: Task-Specific Circuit Training (TSCT)

Conventional physical therapy

Other group

Description:

Conventional physical therapy for both groups will include stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and positioning techniques. Each spastic muscle will be stretched to the point of mild discomfort, held for 20 seconds, and repeated five times. Every child with CP will be assessed individually to identify spastic muscle groups. Each weak muscle will be trained to contract against resistance, with 10 repetitions performed in each session. Parents will be advised to make their child sit with legs open on a bench or block, ensuring the heels touch the ground. They will also be instructed to have their child stand against a wall with the legs in moderate abduction and external rotation for 15 minutes daily after exercises.

Treatment:

Procedure: Conventional Physical Therapy