MedPath

Training Balance Among People With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

Not Applicable
Terminated
Conditions
Posture
Down Syndrome
Autism
Balance
Cerebral Palsy
Registration Number
NCT04293120
Lead Sponsor
University of Hartford
Brief Summary

This study is a case control pilot study to investigate the impact of a short-term intervention on training anticipatory postural adjustments in a population of people with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Detailed Description

Data will be collected by using a weighted pendulum to provide a posterior perturbation to test subjects' postural reactions pre and post-intervention. Intervention will include four sessions of weighted ball tosses/weighted tether ball stops to improve muscle activation patterns and efficiency. EMG sensors, 3D motion analysis, and force plates will be used to collect the necessary data.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
TERMINATED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
3
Inclusion Criteria

Participants

  1. Able to stand without assistance
  2. Diagnosis of cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, or Autism Spectrum Disorder
  3. Able to stop weighted ball without falling
  4. Able to follow directions

Controls

  1. Able to stand without assistance
  2. No neurodeveloopmental disability
  3. Able to stop weighted ball without falling
  4. Able to follow directions
Exclusion Criteria
  1. Pregnancy
  2. Unable to maintain standing when stopping a ball on a rope

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Muscle activation timingPre-intervention muscle activation timing will be assessed on the initial visit. Post-intervention muscle activation timing will be assessed immediately after the fourth training session, at most, 7 days later.

Evaluation in change in muscle activation timing of anterior tibialis, soleus, gastroc, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, rectus abdominis using electromyography

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Muscle amplitude responsePre-intervention muscle amplitude response will be assessed on the initial visit. Post-intervention muscle amplitude response will be assessed immediately after the fourth training session, at most, 7 days later.

Evaluation in change in amplitude of anterior tibialis, soleus, gastroc, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, rectus abdominis using electromyography

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Hartford

🇺🇸

West Hartford, Connecticut, United States

University of Hartford
🇺🇸West Hartford, Connecticut, United States

MedPath

Empowering clinical research with data-driven insights and AI-powered tools.

© 2025 MedPath, Inc. All rights reserved.