NCT06661421

Effects Of Dry Needling On Mobility Among Children With Cerebral Palsy

Effects of Dry Needling on Spasticity, Range of Motion, and Functional Mobility Among Children With Cerebral Palsy

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 38 (actual)
• Sponsor: Riphah International University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 6 Years – 12 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study explores the potential of dry needling as a treatment for spasticity in the foot among children with cerebral palsy (CP). Dry needling involves inserting fine needles into specific trigger points or tight muscles without injecting any substances, aiming to relieve pain, improve muscle function, and promote tissue healing. In CP-related foot spasticity, dry needling may target hypertonic muscles, inducing a local twitch response that helps release muscle tension, reduce spasticity, and enhance overall muscle function. The technique may also stimulate sensory nerves and trigger the release of endorphins, contributing to pain relief and muscle relaxation. While dry needling has shown effectiveness in reducing spasticity and improving muscle function in adults with conditions such as post-stroke, there is limited research on its benefits for children with CP. This randomized controlled trial aims to address this gap by evaluating the impact of dry needling on spasticity, range of motion, and functional mobility in children with CP.

Detailed description

The study will be conducted at Bliss Center of Care and Therapy in Faisalabad, involving 38 participants aged 6 to 12 years, all diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy and classified under the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-II. Participants will be divided into two groups: an experimental group receiving dry needling therapy (DNT) and routine physical therapy (RPT) and a control group receiving RPT only. Critical exclusion criteria include recent interventions, bleeding disorders, fixed joint deformities, recent seizures, Botulinum Toxin injections, or contraindications to dry needling. Outcomes will be measured using the Wartenberg Pendulum Test, Active and Passive Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion, and the Timed Up and Go Test, which will be assessed before and after a 10-week intervention. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 to determine the efficacy of dry needling in managing spasticity in children with CP.

Conditions

• Cerebral Palsy (CP)
• Spasticity
• Range of Motion
• Functional Mobility

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Dry Needling	This intervention combines Dry Needling Therapy (DNT) with routine physical therapy for children with spastic cerebral palsy. The experimental group will receive DNT alongside physical therapy, while the control group will undergo only physical therapy. Routine Physical Therapy includes a warm-up, stretching, and strengthening exercises like hamstring stretches and squats, adjusted over a month with increasing intensity. Dry Needling targets the gastrocnemius muscle using a fast-in, fast-out technique with sterile needles, applied weekly for 10 weeks. This combined approach aims to reduce spasticity, improve mobility, and enhance range of motion, distinguishing it from standard therapies.
OTHER	Cerebral Palsy conventional Treatment	Sessions will include a 5-minute warm-up, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Hamstring stretches will be done with the child supine, one leg flat, and the opposite hip flexed to 90°. Active knee extension will be held for 5 seconds, followed by a 40-second assisted stretch, repeated five times. If a short psoas is detected, a prone psoas stretch will involve assisted hip extension for 5 seconds, followed by a 40-second hold, repeated five times. Strengthening exercises like squats, heel rises, and step-ups with a loaded backpack will target the lower extremities. The program will last one month, with three sessions per week, focusing on hamstring stretches and progressive resistance exercises.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-09-24
• Primary completion: 2024-12-15
• Completion: 2025-01-01
• First posted: 2024-10-28
• Last updated: 2025-01-13

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan