Functional Power Training on Mobility and Gait Parameters in Cerebral Palsy (FPTCP)

Riphah International University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Cerebral Palsy

Treatments: Other: Routine physical therapy; Other: Functional Power Training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06748183

REC/RCR&AHS/0706

Details and patient eligibility

About

Cerebral Palsy is a lifelong neuromuscular disorder impacting movement, posture, and muscle control, ranging from mild hand weakness to severe paralysis. Risk factors are grouped into specific stages: preconception (linked to the mother's health), prenatal (during pregnancy), perinatal (at birth), and the neonatal and infant stages. Functional power training is employed to improve the functional abilities of children with Cerebral Palsy by involving them in various power-based exercises to strengthen muscles, increase power, and build endurance. This study aims to evaluate the impact of functional power training on gait and mobility in children with Cerebral Palsy.

Full description

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a chronic neuromuscular disorder that affects movement, posture, and muscle control, with symptoms ranging from mild weakness to severe paralysis. The risk factors for CP are classified into preconception, prenatal, perinatal, and neonatal categories. Functional power training (FPT) is a therapeutic approach aimed at improving muscle strength, power, and endurance in children with CP. This study seeks to evaluate the impact of FPT on gait parameters and mobility in children with CP. This randomized controlled trial will include 26 children, aged 6 to 12 years, with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) I or II. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group (FPT plus routine physical therapy) or the control group (routine physical therapy alone). Exclusion criteria include recent botulinum toxin A treatment, serial casting within the last 6 months, or selective dorsal rhizotomy. Gait parameters (step length, stride length, cadence, gait speed, and step width) and mobility outcomes (6MWT and Timed Up and Go test) will be assessed before and after the intervention. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 23.

Enrollment: 26 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 6 to 12 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age 6 to 12
• Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) I and II
• Either gender will be included

Exclusion criteria

• Treatment with botulinum toxin A in lower limb
• Serial Casting of lower limb less than 6 months before the start of the functional power training
• Selective dorsal rhizotomy treatment
• Children who did not (yet) choose walking as their preferred way of mobility

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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26 participants in 2 patient groups

Functional Power Training

Experimental group

Description:

Group A will participate in Functional Power Training (FPT) alongside routine physical therapy for children with Cerebral Palsy. The standard therapy includes hot packs for muscle relaxation, isometric exercises for motor skills, muscle strength, and coordination, as well as passive stretching. Therapists will also utilize sit-to-stand exercises to enhance gait and overall functional abilities. Over a 14-week intervention period, FPT will include three 60-minute sessions each week, focusing on improving walking capacity and muscle strength. Each session will consist of a 10-minute warm-up, 35 minutes of 3 to 4 power exercises, and a 15-minute cool-down phase, conducted in small groups of 3-6 children with a supervising therapist. Participants will wear sports shoes without orthoses, and power exercises will target functional, multi-joint movements, emphasizing ankle push-off and velocity, with adjustments made for progressive challenges.

Treatment:

Other: Functional Power Training

Routine Physical therapy

Other group

Description:

Routine physical therapy for children with Cerebral Palsy includes hot packs for muscle relaxation and isometric exercises aimed at improving motor skills, muscle strength, and coordination. Passive stretching is also part of the treatment plan. Therapists use sit-to-stand exercises to enhance gait, posture, and overall functional abilities. Regular progress evaluations are conducted to adjust interventions as needed, ensuring continuous improvement. The overall goal is to optimize mobility, enhance walking ability, and improve the child's quality of life.

Treatment:

Other: Routine physical therapy