Investigation of the Effects of Different Upper Extremity Strengthening Exercises in Children With Unilateral Spastic Type Cerebral Palsy
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 招募中
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 14
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Muscle Thickness Measurement by Ultrasonography
研究概览
简要总结
This study aims to compare the effects of two different upper extremity strengthening exercise approaches-bilateral strengthening exercises based on Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) patterns and plyometric exercises-on muscle thickness, joint range of motion, muscle strength, and functional performance in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP). Although strengthening exercises targeting the affected upper limb in children with USCP have been investigated in numerous studies, to our knowledge, no previous research has directly compared the effects of bilateral PNF-based strengthening exercises and plyometric training. Incorporating PNF patterns into upper extremity rehabilitation programs has been previously recommended, and examining the efficacy of these exercises in comparison with plyometric training may contribute valuable insights to the literature and inform clinical practice.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Supportive Care
- 盲法
- Quadruple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
盲法说明
Double blinded
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 5 Years 至 12 Years（Child）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Aged between 5 and 12 years
- •Diagnosed with unilateral spastic type cerebral palsy
- •Classified as Level I or II according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS)
- •Classified as Level I or II according to the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS)
- •Upper extremity muscle tone ≤2 on the Modified Ashworth Scale
- •Willing to suspend other upper extremity therapeutic interventions during the study period
- •Able to cooperate and follow instructions provided by the researcher
- •Voluntarily willing to participate in the study
排除标准
- •History of any upper extremity surgery or Botulinum toxin (Btx) injection within the past 6 months
- •Presence of an additional neurological disorder other than cerebral palsy
- •Having visual and/or hearing impairments
- •Having severe contractures that limit participation in functional activities
研究组 & 干预措施
PNF Group (Strengthening Based on Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Patterns)
The shoulder and scapular patterns listed below will first be taught to the child using the rhythmic initiation technique. Following instruction, the child will be asked to perform the patterns actively without resistance.
Shoulder flexion - adduction - external rotation and shoulder extension - abduction - internal rotation (with the elbow extended) Shoulder extension - adduction - internal rotation and shoulder flexion - abduction - external rotation (with the elbow extended) In addition to the shoulder patterns, scapular patterns including anterior depression - posterior elevation and anterior elevation - posterior depression will also be performed with the same progression.
干预措施: Exercise (Other)
Plyometric Group (Plyometric Exercises)
Participants in the plyometric group will perform upper extremity plyometric exercises aimed at improving muscular power, neuromuscular control, and functional performance. The exercises will be selected to provide dynamic resistance and emphasize rapid stretch-shortening cycle movements of the upper limb. Training will be conducted using elastic bands, medicine balls, and body weight as appropriate to the child's developmental level and physical capacity. The exercise program will include progressive variations in terms of intensity, volume (sets and repetitions), and complexity over the intervention period, as detailed in the progression table. Rest intervals of no more than one minute will be allowed between sets. All exercises will be performed bilaterally and under the supervision of a physiotherapist to ensure proper technique and safety.
干预措施: Exercise (Other)
结局指标
主要结局
Muscle Thickness Measurement by Ultrasonography
时间窗: Baseline and after 8-weeks
Ultrasonographic measurements will be performed using the Esaote Mylab 60 device with a linear probe. Muscle thickness will be assessed in the upper trapezius, rhomboid major, anterior deltoid, lateral triceps brachii, long head of biceps brachii, extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor digitorum communis, and flexor digitorum superficialis. Measurements will be taken with the elbow flexed at 70°, in standardized resting positions, with forearm in pronation or supination depending on the muscle group. To ensure reliability, three separate images per muscle will be taken, with the probe repositioned each time. Anatomical landmarks will be palpated and marked. Muscle thickness will be measured as the distance between the subcutaneous fat-muscle and muscle-bone interfaces.
Range of Motion Assessment
时间窗: Baseline and after 8-weeks
Joint range of motion (ROM) will be assessed before and after treatment using a universal goniometer. Active ROM measurements will include shoulder flexion and abduction (measured in standing), elbow flexion and extension (in supine), and forearm pronation-supination and wrist flexion-extension (in sitting). Movements will first be demonstrated on the unaffected limb, then performed with the affected limb. Active ROM values will be recorded. Each movement will be measured three times, and the mean value in degrees will be documented. Measurements will follow Kendall-McCreary criteria to ensure standardization and accuracy.
Muscle Strength Assessment
时间窗: Baseline and after 8-weeks
Muscle strength of shoulder flexion-abduction, elbow flexion-extension, forearm pronation-supination, and wrist flexion-extension will be assessed before and after treatment using a hand-held dynamometer (HOGGAN microFET2). A towel will be placed between the limb and device to ensure full contact and minimize sensitivity caused by surface hardness. The "make method," accepted for pediatric use, will be applied: the physiotherapist will ask the child to push maximally against the fixed device. The test will first be demonstrated on the unaffected limb. Two practice trials will be conducted on the affected side to ensure comprehension, followed by three test measurements. A rest interval will be given between trials. The mean of the three tests will be recorded in kilograms (kg).
次要结局
- Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test-QUEST(Baseline and after 8-weeks)
- ABILHAND- Kids(Baseline and after 8-weeks)
研究者
Gülsena Utku Umut
Assisstant Professor
Biruni University