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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07125807

Plyometric vs Resistance Training for Trunk Balance in Children With Spina Bifida

Objective: To compare the efficacy of upper extremity plyometric and resistance exercises in improving trunk balance in children with Spina Bifida (SB).

Methods: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) enrolled 28 children (aged 6-12 years) with lumbar-level SB, randomized to plyometric (n=14) or resistance (n=14) exercise groups for an 8-week intervention (3 days/week) alongside standard rehabilitation. Primary outcomes included Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS) for static/dynamic sitting and reaching, and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) for overall balance. Secondary outcomes included ambulation levels via Hoffer classification.

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Key information

Conditions

Spina Bifida Balance Changes Congenital Abnormalities Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Nervous System Diseases Nervous System Malformations Neural Tube Defects Spinal Dysraphism

Age range

6 year–15 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

istanbul Okan University

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Objective:

To compare the effectiveness of upper extremity plyometric versus resistance exercises in enhancing trunk balance among children with lumbar-level Spina Bifida (SB).

Methods:

This randomized controlled trial included 28 children (aged 6-12 years) diagnosed with lumbar-level SB. Participants were randomly assigned to either a plyometric exercise group (n = 14) or a resistance exercise group (n = 14). Both groups received an 8-week intervention (three sessions per week) in addition to their standard rehabilitation programs.

Primary outcomes were assessed using the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS)-evaluating static sitting, dynamic sitting, and reaching control-and the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) to assess overall balance capabilities. Secondary outcomes included ambulation status, measured using the Hoffer classification.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • The study included children diagnosed with lumbar-level Spina Bifida,
  • Aged 6 to 15 years,
  • IQ of 50 or higher based on the SPARCLE cognitive assessment

Exclusion criteria

  • History of shunt infection or revision,
  • Tethered cord syndrome or syringomyelia,
  • Insufficient sitting balance,
  • Upper extremity spasticity or contractures,
  • Severe visual or hearing impairments

Treatment and study plan

upper extremity plyometric exercises

Other

upper extremity plyometric exercises in neuro rehabilitation

upper extremity resistance exercises

Other

upper extremity resistance exercises in neuro rehabilitation

Primary outcomes

  1. Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS)

    Time frame: Day 1, right before starting treatment and right after finishing the treatment (4 weeks). using questionary scores

    It measures both static and dynamic trunk control, including selective motor control and dynamic reaching abilities. The total TCMS score ranges from 0 to 58 points. Higher scores on the TCMS indicate better trunk control and function.

  2. Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS)

    Time frame: Day 1, right before starting treatment and right after finishing the treatment (4 weeks). using questionarry scores

    It is a reliable and valid clinical tool designed to assess functional balance in children aged 5 to 15 years with mild to moderate balance impairments. It is a modified version of the Berg Balance Scale tailored specifically for pediatric use, focusing on balance performance during daily functional tasks. The PBS consists of 14 items, each scored on a 5-point scale from 0 to 4: The total PBS score ranges from 0 to 56 points (14 items x 4 points each). Higher scores indicate better functional balance and motor performance.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Okan University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Upper Extremity Plyometric Versus Resistance Exercises to Enhance Trunk Balance in Children With Spina Bifida: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Aug 15, 2025
Registry last updated
Aug 15, 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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