Unilateral Versus Bilateral Lower-Limb Plyometric Training in Children With Cerebral Palsy
- Conditions
- Cerebral Palsy
- Registration Number
- NCT05302102
- Lead Sponsor
- Cairo University
- Brief Summary
This study was set out to compare the effect of paretic-limb-only plyometric training versus double-limb training on balance capability and gait symmetry in adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy (U-CP). Sixty-nine children with U-CP were randomly allocated to the paretic-limb-only plyometric training group (n = 23; performed plyometric movements/exercises unilaterally using the paretic leg only), the double-limb plyometric training group (n = 23; performed plyometric movements/exercises bilaterally through both lower legs), or the Control group (n =23, received standard rehabilitation plus SSC exercises). All groups were assessed for gait-symmetry and balance capability pre and post-treatment.
- Detailed Description
Sixty-nine children with U-CP were recruited from the Physical Therapy Outpatient Clinic of College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, King Khalid Hospital, and a tertiary referral hospital, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia. Their age ranged between 12 and 18 years, were functioning at levels I or II according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System, and had spasticity level 1 or 1+ per the Modified Ashworth Scale. Children were excluded if they had fixed deformities, underwent neuromuscular or orthopedic surgery in the last 12 months, submitted to BOTOX injection in the past 6 months, had attentional neglect, and if they had cardiopulmonary problems preventing them from performing high-intense exercise training.
Outcome measures
* Gait-symmetry Indices: Gait symmetry indices (Spatial and temporal) were measured through the portable GAITRite system.
* Dynamic balance: The directional dynamic limit of stability (forward, backward, paretic, and non-paretic) and overall limit of stability were assessed using the Biodex balance system.
All groups were trained for 45 minutes, twice per week, for 12 successive weeks. The paretic-limb-only plyometric training group performed plyometric movements/exercises unilaterally using the paretic leg only. The double-limb plyometric training group performed plyometric movements/exercises bilaterally through both lower legs. The plyometric training program consisted of five unilateral and five bilateral lower limb plyometrics in the form of hopping/bounding/jumping activities. The plyometric training was preceded by a warm-up for 5 minutes and ended up with a 5-min cooldown. The control group received the standard rehabilitation program, which comprised advanced balance training, and gait training exercises, postural and flexibility exercises, strength training exercises.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 69
- Unilateral cerebral palsy
- Age 12-18 years
- Motor function level I or II according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System.
- Spasticity level 1 or 1+ according to the Modified Ashworth Scale
- Structural deformities/contractures
- Musculoskeletal or neural surgery in the last year
- BOTOX injection in the last 6 months.
- Cardiopulmonary disorders that interfere with the ability to engage in exercise training.
- Perceptual and/or behavioral disorders.
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Limit of postural stability 2 months The capacity to control and move the center-of-gravity in various directions across their base-of-support was assessed utilizing the Biodex balance system. Values are expressed as accuracy % and higher scores mean better balance capability.
Spatial gait symmetry 2 months The spatial gait symmetry index was measured about the step length of the paretic and non-paretic leg through the portable GAITRite system. Lower scores indicate a more symmetrical pattern.
Temporal gait symmetry 2 months The temporal gait symmetry index was measured about the single-limb support time of the paretic and non-paretic leg through the portable GAITRite system. Lower scores indicate a more symmetrical pattern
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Ragab K. Elnaggar
🇸🇦Al Kharj, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Ragab K. Elnaggar🇸🇦Al Kharj, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia