Effects of Functional Exercise Program With Strength Load and Resistance in Children and Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy

Last updated: February 5, 2025
Sponsor: University of Valencia
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Cerebral Palsy

Treatment

Functional exercise with progressive strength and resistance load

Functional exercises without any load

Clinical Study ID

NCT06820398
3498583
  • Ages 10-18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

This research project aims to evaluate the benefits of a functional exercise program with strength and resistance load in adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP), specifically classifiedat levels III and IV of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) scale. Participants will be included into control or intervention group in this randomized controlled trial. Changes in functional percentile, quality of life, and participation in daily environments will be analyzed based on scores obtained with validated assesment scales.

The study will be conducted at the Children's Neurorehabilitation Unit of Hospitalarias Foundation in Valencia, with an 18-week intervention plus a 6-month follow-up. This project seeks to provide evidence on rehabilitation strategies that promote autonomy and social inclusion for this population.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Adolescents aged 10 to 18 years.

  • Diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy (CP).

  • Classification at levels III or IV of the GMFCS scale.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Multilevel surgery with osteotomy within the last 12 months.

  • Microtenotomies or percutaneous needle lengthening (APAI) within the last 9months.

  • Botulinum toxin injections within the last 3 months.

  • Participation in specific strength training protocols.

  • Lack of cognitive ability to perform the intervention protocol activities.

Study Design

Total Participants: 40
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Functional exercise with progressive strength and resistance load
Phase:
Study Start date:
January 31, 2025
Estimated Completion Date:
December 31, 2028

Study Description

This research project is a randomized controlled trial designed to analyze the effects of a functional exercise program with strength and resistance load in adolescents with CP specifically classified at levels III and IV of the GMFCS scale. The study will include around 40 participants aged 10 to 18 years, randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will perform functional exercises with progressive strength and resistance load, adjusted based on heart rate. The control group will perform the same functional exercises but without any load.

The protocol includes 36 sessions over 18 weeks, with evaluations at three key time points: before the intervention, at the end of the protocol, and six months post-intervention. The primary outcomes include functional percentile within the GMFCS, quality of life asperceived by patients and caregivers, and participation in daily environments.

The study will adhere to CONSORT guidelines and the Declaration of Helsinki and has been reviewed by an ethics committee.

Connect with a study center

  • Faculty of Physiotherapy. University of Valencia

    Valencia, 46010
    Spain

    Active - Recruiting

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