Effect of Strain Counter Strain on Oromotor Functions in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 进行中（未招募）
- 入组人数
- 30
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Oral motor functions
研究概览
简要总结
This study evaluates the clinical efficacy of the Strain Counter-Strain (SCS) technique on improving oromotor functions in children with spastic cerebral palsy. The intervention specifically targets the masseter, SCM, upper trapezius, scalenes, and suprahyoid muscles to release myofascial tension. The study aims to determine if modulating muscle tone through SCS can provide a stable postural foundation to enhance functional oral motor skills. Outcomes are measured after 4 weeks (one month) of intervention, focusing on mouth opening range, drooling frequency and severity, and overall oral motor functions
详细描述
This study follows a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) design. Children with spastic cerebral palsy are screened for inclusion based on impaired oromotor control and persistent neck muscle tension.
The Control Group receives a designed oral motor program aimed at improving oral motor functions, mouth opening, and drooling severity, conducted over 4 weeks (one month).
The Study Group receives the same designed oral motor program, preceded by the Strain Counter-Strain (SCS) technique applied to the masseter, sternocleidomastoid (SCM), scalenes, upper trapezius, and suprahyoid muscles. The SCS technique aims to normalize cervical alignment and release restrictive tension in the orofacial region.
Outcome Measures: Functional and physical changes are assessed at baseline and after the 4-week period. The primary outcomes include:
Mouth opening range (measured in centimeters). Drooling frequency and severity (using standardized scales). Oral motor functions (evaluated through standardized scales). The comparison seeks to demonstrate how stabilizing the proximal postural base through SCS facilitates refined distal oromotor performance
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- None
盲法说明
This is an open-label study where both the participants and the investigator are aware of the assigned interventions. Masking was not feasible due to the nature of the manual therapy technique (Strain Counter-Strain) and the active involvement of the physical therapist in administering the protocol.
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 4 Years 至 8 Years（Child）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Chronological age was 4 - 8 years from gender was selected
- •Their degrees of spasticity were 1, 1+ according to modified Ashworth scale.
- •They had moderate drooling according to modified drooling questionnaire.
- •Mouth opening limitation was less than 3 cm.
- •Their levels of motor function were II - III- IV according to gross motor function classification system.
- •Their levels of feeding abilities were III on Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System.
- •Children were able to follow instruction
排除标准
- •Any history of jaw, head, and face trauma.
- •Facial or dental developmental abnormalities.
- •Any history of head and neck surgical intervention.
- •Congenital abnormalities of head and neck
研究组 & 干预措施
Strain counter-strain plus oral motor program
This group receives the Strain Counter-Strain (SCS) technique followed by a designed oral motor program. The intervention targets the masseter, SCM, upper trapezius, scalenes, and suprahyoid muscles to release myofascial tension and normalize cervical alignment, conducted 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks
干预措施: Strain Counter-Strain (SCS) (Procedure)
Strain counter-strain plus oral motor program
This group receives the Strain Counter-Strain (SCS) technique followed by a designed oral motor program. The intervention targets the masseter, SCM, upper trapezius, scalenes, and suprahyoid muscles to release myofascial tension and normalize cervical alignment, conducted 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks
干预措施: Designed Oral Motor Program (Procedure)
Oral motor program only
This group receives only the designed oral motor program aimed at improving the strength, range of motion, and coordination of the masticatory and suprahyoid muscles. The program is conducted 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks
干预措施: Designed Oral Motor Program (Procedure)
结局指标
主要结局
Oral motor functions
时间窗: Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention
Assessment of oral motor skills including feeding, swallowing, and coordination using the Oral Motor Assessment Scale (OMAS). The scale scores range from 0 to 2, where higher scores indicate better function
次要结局
- Mouth Opening Range(Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention)
- Drooling Frequency and Severity(Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention)
研究者
Alshimaa Mohamed Mahmoud Hassan
Physical Therapist and Master Degree Candidate
Cairo University