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NCT Number: NCT06696989

Comparative Effects of Frenkel's and Core Stability Exercises in Children With Cerebral Palsy

The aim of this study is to determine and compare the effects of Frenkel's and core stability exercises on the motor function, postural stability and core muscle strength in children with cerebral palsy.

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Key information

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy (CP) Brain Damage, Chronic Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebral Palsy Nervous System Diseases

Age range

6 year–12 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

RehabCure

Lahore, Punjab Province, 1234, Pakistan

About this study

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a brain injury that manifests as a mobility and posture impairment in infancy or early childhood. Frenkel exercises are series of movements with increasing difficulty that can be performed by ataxic patients in order to regain coordinated, smooth and rhythmic movement. The Core stability Exercises are for the spine, pelvis, and kinetic chain to all balance properly under stress, core stability is necessary. The aim of this study is to determine and compare the effects of Frenkel's and core stability exercises on the motor function, postural stability and core muscle strength in children with cerebral palsy. This will be a Randomized Clinical Trial in which 50 participants with cerebral palsy will be included as per sample size calculation through non probability convenience sampling technique. The study will be single blinded. Participants that achieve the required standards of inclusion and exclusion criteria will be randomly allocated using online randomization tool into two Groups. Group A will receive Frenkel's exercises and Group B will receive core stability exercises, both groups will receive the treatment for 40 minutes with the routine physical therapy for 20 minutes and short-term rest intervals in between for 3 alternative days per week for 12 weeks. Participants initial screening will be done through Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). The balance will be assessed through the Pediatric Balance Test (PBS), coordination will be assessed through Finger and Nose Test, Heel Shin Test, Catching and Throwing Tasks.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • The participants fulfilling the given criteria will be included.
  • Age: 6 To 12 Years
  • Gender: Both male and female
  • Children with ataxic cerebral palsy
  • Children having level II and III on Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS)
  • Children able to understand the test instruction, able to sit and stand.
  • Children with and without using Botulinum Toxin Injections
  • The Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) of 54.6

Exclusion criteria

  • Severe Cognitive Dysfunction
  • Visual problems
  • Vestibular Dysfunction
  • Uncontrolled epilepsy
  • Severe Orthopedic Condition affecting Lower limbs Mobility

Treatment and study plan

Frenkel's exercises

Other

In this group, participants will receive Frenkel's exercises, and the total treatment session will be 60 minutes of routine physical therapy, i.e., breathing, stretching, ROM's, and joint mobility, with rest intervals in between for 20 minutes. To begin the intervention, the investigator will perform Frenkel's exercises for 40 minutes in total, with rest intervals between each exercise, initially performing 5 repetitions and then gradually progressing to 10 and then 15 repetitions, respectively, after 2 weeks.

Core Stability Exercises

Other

This group participants will receive core stability exercises, and the total treatment session will also be 60 minutes. The routine physical therapy includes breathing, stretching, joint rotations, ROM's, and frequent periods of rest in between the treatment sessions. To begin the intervention the investigator will perform core stability exercises for 40 minutes in total with rest intervals between each exercise and initially performing 5 repetitions and then gradually progressing to 10 and then 15 repetitions, respectively after 2 weeks.

Primary outcomes

  1. Finger to nose test

    Time frame: 12th week

    The Finger-to-Nose Test measures smooth, coordinated upper-extremity movement by having the examinee touch the tip of his or her nose with his or her index finger. Evaluation of coordination with the Finger-Nose Test is an essential part of the neurological examination

  2. Heel shin test

    Time frame: 12th week

    The heel-shin test is a part of the neurological examination of coordination: the patient runs the sole of one foot up and down the shin of the opposite leg.

  3. Catching and throwing tasks

    Time frame: 12th week

    Ball catching is a skill included in most tests for assessing the motor impairment of children with a mild motor deficit. To objectively measure ball catching short and long ball catching tests were developed to assess children between seven and nine years of age

  4. PBS (Pediatric Ballance Scale)

    Time frame: 12th week

    A modified version of the Berg Balance Scale, the Pediatric Balance Scale is used to evaluate school-age children's functional balance abilities. The 14 items on the scale have a maximum score of 56 points and are rated from 0 (lowest function) to 4 (highest function).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Effects of Frenkel's and Core Stability Exercises on Coordination and Balance in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Nov 20, 2024
Registry last updated
Nov 20, 2024

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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