Effect of Vibration on Shoulder Proximal Stability in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Objectives: Children with cerebral palsy have weak proximal stability which not only affects range of available motion but also reflects on distal dexterity. These have a great impact on their mobility and efficiency of daily living activities. Vibration has been regarded as an effective exercise method to improve muscle strength and endurance. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of vibration on shoulder proximal stability in children with cerebral palsy.

Methods: Fifty children with cerebral palsy from 4 to 9 years old participated in this study and were selected from the outpatient clinic of faculty of physical therapy. They were divided into two groups of equal sizes randomly. The control group received a conventional physical therapy program in addition to Sling exercise therapy, and the study group received the same conventional physical therapy program in addition to Sling exercise therapy (SET) and Whole-body vibration (WBV). Shoulder muscle strength was assessed for both groups by using Lafayette manual muscle tester before and after treatment.

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Key information

Conditions

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

Age range

4 year–9 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Faculty of Physical therapy, Cairo University

Giza, Office Post Cairo University Giza, 12613, Egypt

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

children with cerebral palsy affecting weight bearing of the upper limbs.
Aged from 4 to 9 years.
Both gender participated.
Having grade 1 and 1+ spasticity according to the Modified Ashworth Scale.

Exclusion criteria

Congenital anomalies.
Surgical or neurological disease of the upper limbs.
Osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Treatment and study plan

Conventional physical therapy program and Sling exercise therapy

Procedure

The control group received a conventional physical therapy program in addition to sling exercise therapy (SET) for 60 minutes.

Whole body vibration

Procedure

The study group received the same selected conventional physical therapy program in addition to sling exercise therapy (SET) given to the control group (for 30 minutes) besides whole body vibration (WBV) (for 30 minutes).

Primary outcomes

Shoulder muscle strength

Time frame: 4 to 6 months

Lafayette manual muscle tester In order to produce precise, objective, and dependable findings, the Lafayette Manual Muscle Tester (MMT) Model Number 01163 blends modern ergonomic design with accuracy and precision. The three cushioned stirrups that were interchangeable allowed for the confident and efficient use of recognized techniques while maintaining patient comfort.

No other manual muscle test method uses the advancements found in the Lafayette MMT. The user may choose from an extensive array of variables through the interactive menus, including high and low threshold settings (to account for larger muscles or fingers), test periods ranging from one to ten seconds, and data storage. There is less chance of reading mistakes or selecting undesirable alternatives because of the wide, easy-to-read LCD screen that clearly shows all the information.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cairo University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Whole-body Vibration on Shoulder Proximal Stability in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Important dates

Study start: 2023
Primary completion: 2024
Study completion: 2024
First posted: Jul 31, 2025
Registry last updated: Jul 31, 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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