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Effects of Physical Training on Bone and Muscle Quality, Muscle Strength, and Motor Coordination in Children With NF1

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Registration Number
NCT01058330
Lead Sponsor
Shriners Hospitals for Children
Brief Summary

A physical training program will improve quality of life, participation in physical activity, motor coordination, muscle strength, and bone and muscle strength in children with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Detailed Description

Disorders of the Ras pathway have significant phenotypic overlap and include Noonan syndrome, Cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome (CFC syndrome), Legius syndrome, Costello syndrome and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). NF1 is one of the most common genetic disorders presenting in childhood with an incidence of 1/3000. NF1 is associated with skeletal abnormalities such as short stature, scoliosis, and long bone fracture with non-union. We recently reported that children with NF1 have abnormalities of bone and muscle architecture as evidenced by decreased bone mineral density, decreased bone strength, and low muscle mass, all of which may predispose them to fractures and scoliosis (Stevenson et al., 2005, 2007, 2009). Our preliminary data show that children with NF1 have poor motor coordination and muscle strength, potentially secondary to abnormal neuromotor learning. We hypothesize that poor motor coordination and decreased muscle strength contribute to the osteopenia in NF1. Our objective is to identify effective and non-invasive strategies to improve motor coordination, muscle strength, and bone and muscle architecture in children with disorders of the Ras pathway, in hopes of decreasing fractures and improving physical activity levels. Plyometric physical training consists of quick, high-intensity, weight-bearing movements, and is an encouraging intervention for use in these children.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
36
Inclusion Criteria
  • Fulfill NIH clinical diagnostic criteria
Exclusion Criteria
  • Visual impairment
  • Participation in a simultaneous medical intervention trial
  • Orthopedic procedure within the last 6 months.
  • Pregnancy
  • Home location greater than 3-4 hours drive time from Shriners Hospital
  • Tibial pseudarthrosis

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Bone & muscle quality, DXA, pQCT, & bone ultrasound.1 year
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Motor proficiency BOT-2. Muscle strength force plate & dynamometer. Quality of life questionnaires.1 year

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

Shriners Hospitals for Children, Salt Lake City

🇺🇸

Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

University of Utah

🇺🇸

Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

Shriners Hospitals for Children, Salt Lake City
🇺🇸Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

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