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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07251751

Forward Versus Backward Gait Training on Functional Abilities in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

This study aims to compare the effects of forward versus backward gait training on functional abilities in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Participants will receive gait training sessions focusing on either forward or backward walking to evaluate improvements in balance, mobility, and gross motor function.

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Key information

Conditions

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

Age range

6 year–9 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

El Shohadaa Central Hospital

Shibīn al Kawm, Monoufia, Egypt

About this study

> Cerebral palsy is a common neurological disorder in children that affects movement and posture. Spastic cerebral palsy is characterized by muscle stiffness and impaired motor control, which limits the child's functional mobility.

Gait training is an essential part of rehabilitation programs for children with cerebral palsy. Previous studies have shown that both forward and backward walking can improve motor performance, but limited evidence exists comparing the two methods directly.

The present randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effects of forward gait training versus backward gait training on functional abilities in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Participants will be randomly assigned into three groups: group (A) will receive a designed physical therapy program. group (B) will receive the same program with forward gait training on treadmill. group (C) will receive the same designed physical therapy program beside backward gait training on treadmill three times weekly over three successive months.

Outcome measures will include muscle strength of measurements, range of motion of lower limb,gait pattern changes and gross motor function measurements.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

1-All children will be spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. 2- Age will be ranged from 6-9 years old. 3. They will have spasticity grade 1 to 1+ according to Modified Ashwarth's Scale (Appendix II).

  • Both genders will be included. 5. Their gross motor function ability will be selected at level I, II according to Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).
  • They will be able to understand and follow verbal commands included in evaluation and training.

Exclusion criteria

1- Any surgical intervention in upper or lower limbs. 2¬- Any type of fracture. 3- Visual and/or auditory defects. 4- Other neurological conditions rather than CP. 5- Significant tightness or fixed deformity of lower limbs and spine. 6- Congenital heart disease.

Treatment and study plan

control group ( designed physical therapy program)

Behavioral

Participants receive traditional physical therapy exercises focusing on stretching, strengthening, and balance training for the same duration as the experimental groups.

forward gait training

Behavioral

The training program consists of forward walking exercises conducted three times per week for three successive months under the supervision of a physical therapist.

backward gait training

Behavioral

The training program consists of backward walking exercises conducted three times per week for three successive months under the supervision of a physical therapist.

Primary outcomes

  1. Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) score

    Time frame: Baseline and after three months of intervention

    The GMFM-88 will be used to assess changes in gross motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy before and after the intervention. Higher scores indicate better motor performance.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cairo University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Nov 26, 2025
Registry last updated
Mar 19, 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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