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NCT Number: NCT07148856

Myofascial Release Plus Physiotherapy for Children With Cerebral Palsy Post Achilles Tendon Surgery in Gaza (MFR-CP25)

"This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of adding Myofascial Release (MFR) technique to a conventional physiotherapy program for children with cerebral palsy after Achilles tendon surgery. The primary goal is to determine whether MFR can improve functional outcomes such as gross motor function and ankle range of motion, compared to physiotherapy alone. The study will be conducted in Gaza, Palestine, with children diagnosed with cerebral palsy who recently underwent Achilles tendon surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either conventional physiotherapy or conventional physiotherapy combined with MFR, and outcomes will be assessed before and after an 8-week intervention program."

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Key information

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy, Spastic Achilles Tendon Contracture Brain Damage, Chronic Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebral Palsy Nervous System Diseases

Age range

2 year–5 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

The Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre - Al-Ahli Al-Arabi Hospital, Gaza

Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories

About this study

"Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often develop musculoskeletal complications, including Achilles tendon contractures, which may require surgical intervention. Despite surgery, many children continue to experience limitations in functional mobility and reduced range of motion. Conventional physiotherapy programs are commonly provided postoperatively to enhance recovery; however, additional manual therapy techniques such as Myofascial Release (MFR) may further improve outcomes.

This randomized controlled trial investigates the effectiveness of adding MFR to conventional physiotherapy for children with CP after Achilles tendon surgery in Gaza. Participants will be randomly allocated to either a control group (conventional physiotherapy only) or an intervention group (conventional physiotherapy plus MFR). Functional outcomes, including gross motor function (GMFM-88) and ankle range of motion, will be measured pre- and post-intervention. It is hypothesized that children receiving MFR in addition to conventional physiotherapy will demonstrate greater improvements in functional mobility and ankle range of motion compared to those receiving physiotherapy alone."

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Children aged 2-5 years
  • Spastic cerebral palsy diagnosis (GMFCS levels I-IV).
  • Underwent Achilles tendon surgery within the past 3 months
  • Medically stable and cleared to begin physiotherapy.
  • Parental/guardian consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

  • Other neuromuscular disorders
  • Severe cognitive impairments that hinder participation
  • Previous MFR therapy within the last 6 months
  • Participation in another rehabilitation study in the past 3 months.

Treatment and study plan

Conventional Physiotherapy

Other

A standard physiotherapy program provided after Achilles tendon surgery, including stretching, strengthening, mobility, and functional training exercises

Myofascial Release Technique

Other

A manual therapy technique applied to the lower limb and ankle region, aiming to release fascial restrictions, improve soft tissue flexibility, and enhance ankle range of motion.

Primary outcomes

  1. Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88)

    Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention]

    Change in gross motor function measured using the GMFM-88 scale. The scale assesses motor function in children with cerebral palsy across five dimensions: lying & rolling, sitting, crawling & kneeling, standing, and walking/running/jumping. Scores range from 0 to 264, with higher scores indicating better motor function.

  2. Ankle Range of Motion (ROM)

    Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

    Passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion measured using a goniometer. Improved ROM indicates increased flexibility and joint mobility.

  3. Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS)

    Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

    Change in balance performance measured using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), which consists of 14 functional balance tasks. The minimum possible score is 0 and the maximum possible score is 56, with higher scores indicating better balance ability.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ismail K. Al-Qudra

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of a Combination of Myofascial Release Technique to Conventional Physiotherapy Program on Functional Outcomes in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy Post Achilles Tendon Surgery in the Gaza Strip

Acronym: MFR-CP25

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Aug 29, 2025
Registry last updated
Sep 10, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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