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NCT Number: NCT06987188

Effects of Modified Pilates on Improving Trunk Control and Balance in Children With Mild Intellectual Disability

This randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Spectrum Clinic, Lahore, over a duration of 8 weeks to assess the impact of Modified Pilates Exercises on trunk control in children with Intellectual Disability (ID). ID is characterized by below-average IQ and delays in cognitive and functional development, affecting independence and motor skills. Trunk control plays a crucial role in posture, movement coordination, balance, and daily activities. A total of 40 participants will be selected through non-probability convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (Modified Pilates Exercises) and Group B (General Physiotherapy Plan). Outcomes will be measured using the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS) and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) at baseline and after 8 weeks. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 25.

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Key information

Conditions

Mild Intellectual Disability

Age range

6 year–12 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Rising Sun Institute

Lahore, Pinjab, 54900, Pakistan

Location status: Recruiting

About this study

Intellectual Disability (ID) is a condition in which individuals experience below-average IQ. Although a variety of terms, including learning disabilities and mental retardation have been used when referring to people who have impairments that impact on their cognitive and adaptive functioning. ID refers to the onset of delayed developmental milestones, which impact on intellectual and functional development, hence independent functioning is likely to be significantly lower than that of the average person during their lifetime. Trunk control can help children with intellectual disabilities meet developmental milestones by helping them to maintain posture, navigate their surroundings, coordinate body part movement, module fine motor control, initiate vestibule oculomotor reflexes, use their hands for various activities, remain seated without falling over and kept their body aligned while walking, running and jumping.

This study will be randomized controlled trial, conducted in Spectrum clinic, Lahore. This study will be completed in time duration of 8 weeks after the approval of synopsis. Non-probability convenience sampling technique will be used and 40 participants will be recruited in this study. Participants will be divided into two groups. Group A (Modified Pilates Exercises) and Group B (General Physiotherapy Plan). Tools will be used are Trunk control measurement (TCMS) and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). The data will be recorded at the baseline and after 8th week of intervention. After collection, data will be analyzed by using SPSS version 25.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Children aged 6-12 years.
  • Diagnosed with mild intellectual disability (IQ 50-70)
  • Ability to follow instruction and participate in Pilates Exercises
  • No significant physical or neurological conditions that could affect participants

Exclusion criteria

  • Severe intellectual disability(IQ<50)
  • Significant physical and neurological conditions (Cerebral palsy, Spinal Cord Injury)
  • Visual and Hearing impairments that could impact participation

Treatment and study plan

Modified Pilate Exercises

Other

Modified Pilates exercises are gentle adaptations of traditional Pilates movements, designed to accommodate various fitness levels, physical limitations, or specific health conditions. These exercises focus on core strength, flexibility, posture, and controlled breathing while reducing strain on joints and muscles. Often recommended for beginners, seniors, or individuals recovering from injury or surgery, modified Pilates may involve the use of props like pillows, resistance bands, or chairs to support proper alignment and ease of movement. By emphasizing slow, mindful motions and personalized adjustments, modified Pilates helps individuals safely build strength, improve mobility, and enhance overall body awareness without the risk of overexertion.

General Physiotherapy Plan

Other

A general physiotherapy plan for improving trunk control and balance focuses on enhancing core stability, postural alignment, and coordinated movement through targeted exercises and functional activities. The plan typically begins with gentle activation of deep core muscles such as the transverse abdominis and pelvic floor, progressing to dynamic tasks that challenge balance and coordination, like seated weight shifts, bridging, and reaching tasks in various positions (sitting, kneeling, or standing). Balance training may include exercises on unstable surfaces, gait training, and proprioceptive activities to improve body awareness and stability. The physiotherapy approach is individualized, gradually increasing in complexity and intensity as the patient gains strength and confidence, with consistent emphasis on proper technique, breathing, and safety to support overall mobility and independence.

Primary outcomes

  1. Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS)

    Time frame: Baseline, 4th week, 8th week

    The Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS) is a standardized assessment tool used to measure trunk control in individuals with developmental delay, neurological disorders, or motor impairments. It evaluates posture maintenance, trunk stabilization, and movement across six subtasks, each rated on a scale from 0 to 4 or 0 to 5. The total score ranges from 0 to 24, offering a comprehensive evaluation of trunk control ability. The TCMS identifies specific areas of difficulty, tracks progress over time, and directs targeted interventions to enhance trunk control. Administration involves verbal instructions, visual demonstration, or physical guidance from the evaluator, with the participant performing each task up to three times, scored based on the best attempt

  2. Pediatric Berg Balance Measurement Scale (PBBMS)

    Time frame: Baseline, 4th week, 8th week

    The Pediatric Berg Balance Measurement (PBBM) is a well-established tool used to assess balance and postural control in children aged 5-15 years. Developed by Berg and colleagues, it comprises 14 items that evaluate standing, sitting, and transitional movements. Scores on the PBBM range from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating better balance abilities(20). This assessment typically takes 15-20 minutes to administer and is highly reliable and valid. Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and researchers utilize the PBBM to evaluate balance impairments in children with developmental delays, injuries, or neurological conditions, and to track progress and intervention outcomes effectively.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

IMRAN AMJAD, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

33224390125

Muhammad Asif Javed, MS-PT

CONTACT

[email protected]

03224209422

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
May 23, 2025
Registry last updated
May 23, 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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