A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial of an Online Exercise Programme for Adults With Cerebral Palsy

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Cerebral Palsy; Exercise; Adults; Fitness

• Registration Number: NCT06983782
• Lead Sponsor: Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland

Brief Summary

Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) often face challenges in accessing exercise programmes that are appropriate for their needs. Barriers such as limited mobility, a lack of tailored options, and restricted access to physiotherapy services can make participation difficult. Exercise is important for improving physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. However, many adults with CP do not have regular opportunities to take part in structured physical activity. This study aims to investigate whether an online exercise programme can serve as an effective and accessible alternative.

The main aim of the study is to assess the feasibility of delivering an online exercise programme for adults with CP. Key areas of focus will include demand, implementation, practicality, adaptability, acceptability, and potential benefits to physical, mental, and social well-being.

A total of 60 adults with CP will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups (30 participants per group). One group will complete an 8-week online exercise and education programme. The second group will receive the same educational materials during the study and will be provided with information about the home exercise programme after the 8-week intervention period. Data will be collected on attendance, completion rates, engagement with exercises, and any reported adverse events. Health-related surveys will be completed before and after the programme to assess any changes. In addition, a selected group of participants from the intervention group will take part in interviews to provide feedback on their experiences.

Findings from this study may support the development of accessible, effective, and person-centred online exercise programmes for adults with CP. Results may help improve future programme design and contribute to better care and support for adults with CP in Ireland.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-05
• Study First Submitted: 2025-05-01
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-05-14
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-05-14
• Study First Posted: 2025-05-21
• Last Update Posted: 2025-05-21
• Study Start: 2025-06-15
• Primary Completion: 2026-02-28
• Study Completion: 2026-08-31

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 60

Inclusion Criteria

• Adults aged 18 and over with cerebral palsy (CP) residing on the island of Ireland.
• Individuals of any Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level.
• Individuals with other associated impairments.
• People with mild-to-moderate intellectual disability who can access the online platform and follow study instructions, with or without support.

Exclusion Criteria

• Individuals with severe intellectual disability where sufficient adaptations cannot be made.
• Adults with unstable medical conditions.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Physical function	Duration of study 2 years	Physical function will be measured using the PROMIS physical function- Short Form 10a scale.
Presence of Pain	Duration of study 2 years	Pain will be assessed using a self-reported questionnaire, measured as Yes or No with description.
Mobility	rolling recruitment over 1.2 years	Mobility will be measured using the Functional mobility scale on a scale of 0-6.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Falls	Duration of study 2 years	Falls will be measured by self-reported questionnaire. Measured as Yes or No with description of number of falls.
Mobility decline	Duration of study 2 years	Measured using a self-reported questionnaire Yes or no with description
Sleep	Duration of study 2 years	Sleep will be assessed using the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance Short Form 4a scale, with total scores reflecting the extent of sleep disturbance experienced by participants.
Self-efficacy	Duration of study 2 years	Self-efficacy will be assessed using two PROMIS Short Form scales: the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Conditions - Managing Daily Activities (Short Form 8a) and the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Conditions - Managing Emotions. Total scores from each scale will reflect participants' confidence in managing daily activities and emotional responses related to their condition.
Depression	Duration of study 2 years	Depression will be assessed using the PROMIS Emotional Distress - Depression Short Form 8a, with total scores reflecting the severity of depressive symptoms experienced by participants.
Balance	Duration of study 2 years	Balance will be assessed using a self-reported questionnaire, which includes a description of the duration of static balance.
Pain intensity	Duration of study 2 years	Pain intensity will be measured using the PROMIS Pain intensity form
Pain quality	Duration of study 2 years	Pain quality will be assessed using the PROMIS Neuropathic Pain Quality 5a and Nociceptive Pain Quality 5a scales, with total scores calculated for each to reflect the severity and type of pain experienced.
Pain interference	Duration of study 2 years	Pain quality will be assessed using the PROMIS Pain interference Short Form-8a, with total scores calculated to reflect the quality of pain experienced.
Fatigue	Duration of study 2 years	Fatigue will be assessed using the PROMIS Fatigue Short Form 13a (FACIT Fatigue) scale, with total scores calculated to reflect the severity of fatigue experienced by participants.
Participation	Duration of study 2 years	Participation will be assessed using the PROMIS Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities Short Form 8a, with total scores indicating the extent to which participants are able to engage in social roles and daily activities.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland; 🇮🇪 Dublin, Leinster, Ireland