Expiratory Muscle Training in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Cerebral Palsy (CP)

• Registration Number: NCT07048223
• Lead Sponsor: Istinye University

Brief Summary

This study aims to examine the effects of expiratory muscle training on posture, trunk control, balance, selective motor control, and respiratory functions in children with spastic-type Cerebral Palsy (CP). The research focuses on evaluating an innovative rehabilitation approach that addresses common problems observed in children with CP, such as trunk instability, reduced respiratory capacity, and postural abnormalities.

In individuals with CP, the ineffective use of respiratory muscles affects not only the respiratory system but also trunk control and overall motor performance. While most existing studies emphasize inspiratory muscle training, research on expiratory muscle training remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to address this gap by investigating the neuromotor effects of expiratory muscle training, a subfield of respiratory rehabilitation, in children with CP.

The study is designed as a randomized controlled trial. Participants will be assigned to either an expiratory muscle training group or a sham group. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will include measurements of respiratory muscle strength, balance evaluation, postural analysis, and standardized assessments of selective motor control and trunk control.

The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of a more holistic rehabilitation approach for children with CP. In addition to academic contributions, the results may highlight the clinical importance of expiratory muscle training and support its inclusion in national rehabilitation protocols.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-06
• Study First Submitted: 2025-06-24
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-06-24
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-06-24
• Study First Posted: 2025-07-02
• Last Update Posted: 2025-07-02
• Study Start: 2025-07-30
• Primary Completion: 2026-01-30
• Study Completion: 2026-03-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 20

Inclusion Criteria

• Diagnosed with cerebral palsy
• Aged between 12 and 18 years
• Classified at Level I or II according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS)
• Classified at Level I, II, or III according to the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS)
• Having spasticity graded as 0, 1, 1+, or 2 according to the Modified Ashworth Scale
• No Botulinum Toxin-A injections or orthopedic surgery within the past 6 months

Exclusion Criteria

• Having spasticity graded as 3 or 4 on the Modified Ashworth Scale
• Having uncontrolled seizures
• Presence of congenital cardiopulmonary disease, other balance-impairing conditions, autism spectrum disorder, or significant visual or hearing impairments
• Having an acute respiratory tract infection

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Peak Cough Flow	before treatment, week 8
Selective Motor Control Assessment (SCALE), (Noraxon MyoMotion)	before tratment, week 8
Respiratory Muscle Strength Assessment (MIP/MEP)	Before treatment, week 8
Assessment of Posture (Posture Screen)	before treatment, week 8
Trunk Control Assessment (ProKin Star Excursion Balance Test, Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS))	Before treatment, week 8
Balance Assessment (PROKIN®)	before treatmant, week 8

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Communication Function Classification System (CFCS)	before treatment
Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)	before treatment
Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS)	before treatment
Muscle Tone Evaluation (Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS))	before treatment
Modified Functional Reach Test (MFRT)	before treatment, week 8
Prone Plank Test	before treatment, week 8