Intensive Pediatric Group Intervention

University of Missouri (MU)

Status: Invitation-only

Conditions: Cerebral Palsy

Treatments: Other: PhysZou emPOWER: a strength, power, and gait intervention group physical therapy program for children with CP

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06527469

2113446

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of the Mizzou emPOWER program is to meet the curricular needs of entry-level doctorate of physical therapy students by providing them the real-world experience of implementing recent evidence surrounding physical therapy dosing for children with cerebral palsy (CP) for power, strength, and gait interventions while meeting an unmet community need.

Full description

Beginning in Fall 2024, the investigators will recruit 6 children with CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System Levels I-III, ages 7-17 years old, to participate in the program. Two students will be assigned to each participant, rotating every 4 weeks due to the structure of the pro-bono clinic. A total of 3 faculty members will supervise. The group will meet for 2 hours, 2 times per week for 15 weeks. Each session will include a 10-minute game-based warm-up, 45 minutes of gait interventions to include treadmill and overground walking as well as other aerobic activities, 45 minutes of resistance training (power and strength training as appropriate for their individual goals), and a 10-minute cool-down incorporating yoga and breathing activities. Participant assessments will be completed during the first week, 7th week, and 15th week. Other programmatic assessments will include students' written reflections on their experiences providing this program, caregiver satisfaction surveys, and participant and caregiver interviews.

Enrollment: 6 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 7 to 17 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Ambulatory children 7-17 years old, children who are participating in emPOWER program
• GMFCS Levels I-III
• Able to follow 2-3 step directions
• English Speaking

Exclusion criteria

• Orthopedic surgery in the past year
• Significant visual impairment
• Significant hearing impairment

Trial design

6 participants in 1 patient group

PhysZou emPOWER

Description:

Strength, power, and gait-based intervention for kids with cerebral palsy is embedded within a curricular pro-bono student physical therapy clinic. The group will meet for 2 hours, 2 times per week for 15 weeks.

Treatment:

Other: PhysZou emPOWER: a strength, power, and gait intervention group physical therapy program for children with CP