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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06851117

Compare The Effectiveness of SCT and PNF In Children With Cerebral Palsy

This study will evaluate the comparative effectiveness of Spider Cage Therapy (SCT) and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) in managing motor impairments in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Cerebral palsy often leads to motor deficits that limit movement and impair functionality.

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Key information

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy Brain Damage, Chronic Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Nervous System Diseases

Age range

3 year–12 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Azra Naheed Medical College, Superior University

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

About this study

SCT and PNF are therapeutic interventions that target these motor challenges but use distinct approaches. Spider Cage Therapy will involve the use of elastic cords within a supportive frame (the "spider cage") to stabilize the child, enhancing postural control and enabling dynamic movement training. This approach is expected to improve balance and alignment, promoting functional mobility. In contrast, PNF will focus on neuromuscular reeducation through specific movement patterns intended to enhance strength, coordination, and flexibility. By comparing SCT and PNF, this study aims to identify their respective impacts on motor function improvements, particularly in gross motor skills, balance, and postural stability, potentially guiding future rehabilitation protocols for children with CP.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Children aged 4-12 years.
  • Clinical diagnosis of cerebral palsy.
  • Classified within Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to III.
  • Ability to follow instructions and participate in therapy sessions.

Exclusion criteria

  • Severe cognitive impairments hindering participation.
  • Severe musculoskeletal deformities or recent surgeries.
  • Other medical conditions contraindicating participation in physical therapy.

Treatment and study plan

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)

Combination Product

Participants in the PNF group will undergo intensive training of the affected limbs for 20 minutes per day, 5 days a week, over a 4-week period. During therapy sessions, the unaffected limb will be constrained using a mitt or cast to encourage focused activation and strengthening of the affected side. The therapy will include repetitive movement patterns designed to enhance strength, flexibility, and coordination.

Spider Cage Therapy Group

Combination Product

This group will participate in therapy sessions within the Spider Cage for 20 minutes per day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. Interventions will involve weight-bearing exercises, movement facilitation, and balance training, utilizing the cage's elastic cords to support and stabilize posture. The goal is to improve gross motor skills, balance, and controlled movement.

Combined PNF and Spider Cage Therapy Group

Diagnostic Test

Participants in this group will receive both PNF and Spider Cage Therapy, with integrated principles and techniques from both approaches. The intensity and duration will be consistent with the individual therapy groups, with sessions held for 20 minutes per day, 5 days a week, over 4 weeks. This combination is expected to enhance functional outcomes by targeting both strength/coordination and balance/postural control.

Primary outcomes

  1. Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66

    Time frame: 12 Months

    Five levels and each has different nbr of questions each having 0- 3 score 0 no movement 3 complete movement

  2. Paedetric balance scale

    Time frame: 12 months

    14 items each have 0-4 score total 56 0 totally dependent 4 independently can prrform movement

  3. Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM)

    Time frame: 12 months

    for overall functional independence (FIM) it has total 18 items 13 relatesd to mobilty and 5 regarding cognition Each has1- 7 score where reports total dependence and 7 shows complete independence

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Superior University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Compare The Effectiveness of Spider Cage Therapy and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) In Children With Cerebral Palsy

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Feb 28, 2025
Registry last updated
Feb 28, 2025

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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