Study of the Effect of Peripheral Somatosensory Stimulation on the Functionality of Patients With Cerebral Palsy and Reduced Mobility

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Cerebral Palsy

• Registration Number: NCT06951568
• Lead Sponsor: Facultat de ciencies de la Salut Universitat Ramon Llull

Brief Summary

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a permanent neurological disorder that affects movement and posture, caused by an injury to the developing brain. It may also be accompanied by cognitive, hearing, and speech impairments, as well as epilepsy. Although it is a condition that manifests in childhood, its effects persist throughout life, posing specific challenges in mobility and functionality during adulthood. Although physiotherapy is a key component in the rehabilitation of children with CP and helps adults manage pain and improve motor function, many adults with CP do not receive the treatment they need. Barriers such as financial difficulties, transportation issues, and the lack of physiotherapists specialized in CP affect both access to and the quality of care. Even when physiotherapy is provided, adults with CP are often less satisfied with the services compared to children.The aim of this study is to promote the recovery of motor function in adults with cerebral palsy through sensory stimulation of the lower limbs, as part of an intensive motor rehabilitation program. This program seeks to foster autonomy in movements and transfers, as well as active participation in daily life activities.

Detailed Description

Objective: To evaluate the impact of peripheral somatosensory stimulation on motor function in adults with cerebral palsy.

Methods: Experimental, crossover, and randomized. Each participant will serve as their own control and will be assessed under both stimulation (experimental) and non-stimulation (control) conditions.The sample will be one of convenience and will consist of the voluntary participation of 20 adults diagnosed with cerebral palsy who have reduced mobility and are institutionalized at the residence of the Catalan Foundation for Cerebral Palsy (FCPC).The physical exercise program will last for 2 days per week over a period of 12 consecutive weeks, with prior agreement from the center's management and their participation in the study. The 20 participants will be divided into two groups of 10 people. The first group (Group A) will begin the intervention with both the physiotherapy protocol and somatosensory stimulation, while the second group (Group B) will start with the physiotherapy protocol only. At the midpoint of the intervention, in week 6, the groups will switch: Group A will then receive only the physiotherapy protocol, and Group B will begin receiving somatosensory stimulation alongside the physiotherapy protocol. Both groups will continue under these conditions until week 12, marking the end of the intervention.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Study First Submitted: 2025-04-20
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-04-22
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-22
• Study First Posted: 2025-04-30
• Last Update Posted: 2025-04-30
• Study Start: 2025-05-02
• Primary Completion: 2025-07-02
• Study Completion: 2025-09-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 20

Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: CROSSOVER

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI)	On the third day after the start of the intervention, in week 6, and in week 12.	To evaluate the level of functional mobility, focusing on tasks such as turning over, walking, and climbing stairs.; 0-5 points: severely limited mobility.; 6-10 points: moderately limited mobility.; 11-15 points: mildly limited or good functional mobility.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
The time taken to perform the movement	On the third day after the start of the intervention, in week 6, and in week 12.	time required for execution and the completeness of the performance.
the Trunk Impairment Scale.	On the third day after the start of the intervention, in week 6, and in week 12.	To analyze trunk postural control 0 points: complete absence of trunk control.; 1-7 points: severely impaired trunk control.; 8-15 points: moderately impaired trunk control.; 16-23 points: good trunk control (mild impairment or normal function).
number of repetitions	On the third day after the start of the intervention, in week 6, and in week 12.	To evaluate the number of repetitions in the specific exercises of the protocol

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Pedro Victor López Plaza; 🇪🇸 Barcelona, Spain