Task-oriented Training Versus Group Circuit Training in Children With Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neurological disorder characterized by impairments in movement, posture, and functional abilities, significantly limiting a child's participation in daily activities. Children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy experience greater functional limitations, particularly in gross motor performance and functional capacity, necessitating effective and structured rehabilitation interventions.

Task-oriented training and circuit training are commonly used therapeutic approaches in pediatric neurorehabilitation. Task-oriented training focuses on practicing meaningful, goal-directed functional tasks to enhance motor learning and functional performance whereas group circuit training emphasizes repetitive, structured exercises performed in a circuit format to improve strength, endurance, and motor skills. However, limited evidence exists comparing the effectiveness of these two approaches specifically in children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of task-oriented circuit training and group circuit training on functional performance and functional capacity in children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated into two intervention groups. One group will receive task-oriented circuit training combined with conventional physical therapy, while the other group will receive group circuit training along with conventional physical therapy.

Functional performance will be assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), and functional capacity will be evaluated using the Activities Scale for Kids-Capability version (ASK-C). Assessments will be conducted at baseline (pre-intervention) and after completion of the intervention period (post-intervention).

The results of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of task-oriented circuit training and group circuit training, thereby assisting clinicians in selecting appropriate rehabilitation strategies to improve functional outcomes in children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

Inclusion criteria

• Children diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy.
• Age between 7 and 12 years.
• Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level II or III.
• Both genders.
• Lower limb spasticity graded between 1 and 1+ on the Modified Ashworth Scale.
• Ability to understand and follow simple instructions.
• No serious or recurrent medical complications.

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of fixed orthopedic deformities affecting balance or movement.
• Visual, auditory, vestibular, or perceptual deficits.
• History of seizures or epilepsy.
• Orthopedic surgery or botulinum toxin injections within the past 6 months.
• Participation in other structured rehabilitation programs during the study period.
• Presence of neuromuscular disorders other than cerebral palsy.