Pediatric Endurance and Limb Strengthening Program With and Without Electrical Muscle Stimulation Among Children With Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a predominant cause of childhood impairment, characterized by diminished strength, decreased endurance, inadequate postural control, and restrictions in movement and mobility. Rehabilitation regimens emphasizing endurance and limb strengthening have demonstrated beneficial impacts on motor performance and functional independence in this demographic. Nonetheless, voluntary muscular activation in children with cerebral palsy is frequently constrained, potentially diminishing the efficacy of traditional exercise regimens. Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) has been implemented as a supplementary method to augment muscle recruitment, reduce stiffness, and enhance neuromuscular control. This trial will examine the Pediatric Endurance and Limb Strengthening (PEDAL) program, both with and without Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS), in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The PEDAL program employs cycling-based training aimed at enhancing aerobic endurance and lower-limb strength, integrating increasing resistance and functional task elements. In the intervention group, electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) will be administered to the quadriceps muscles during exercise to enhance contractions and potentially increase the training benefits. The study aims to determine if the integration of EMS with endurance and strength training yields superior enhancements in balance, gait, and mobility compared to exercise alone. This project aims to enhance the evidence foundation for pediatric neurorehabilitation, perhaps facilitating the incorporation of EMS-assisted exercise into standard physiotherapy for children with cerebral palsy to optimize motor results and independence.

Inclusion criteria

• Children from 6 to 10 years old
• Both gender
• Participant with spastic cerebral palsy
• Children who can easily follow verbal directions
• Participant with good and fair one lower limb selective motor control
• Participant who can walk independently
• Participant who lies between 1 to 2 levels of Gross motor function
• People who are willing to participate

Exclusion criteria

• Participant who had gone under any neurological surgery, orthopedic surgery or bachlofen pump implant in previous year
• Participant who had serial casting or who use any new orthotics from last 3 months
• Participant with involvement in any exercise, physical therapy, or any sports proceeding within last three months
• Participant who had any serious medical condition like diabetes, seizure, or any cardiac disease
• Participant who are involved in any fitness program that can improve cardio respiratory endurance