NCT06673849

Rhythmic Stabilization Versus Ball Balancing

Effects of Rhythmic Stabilization Versus Ball Balancing on Upper Extremity Function in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 36 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Riphah International University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 6 Years – 12 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Spastic Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the leading cause of upper motor neuron syndrome (UMN) in children. The primary factors contributing to motor behavior disorders in these children are impairments in motor control and muscle strength. These impairments result in changes in muscle growth and hinder the development of motor skills, leading to reduced muscle force generation and decreased flexibility. Spastic cerebral palsy is the most prevalent type, affecting 77% of individuals with CP, and is caused by damage to the motor cortex and pyramidal tracts. The motor cortex is responsible for transmitting voluntary movement signals from the brain to the muscles. Characteristics of spastic cerebral palsy include stiff muscles (hypertonia), which can cause jerky and repetitive limb movements (spasticity). Additionally, individuals with CP often have difficulties in processing somatosensory and proprioceptive information. Proprioceptive training refers to interventions aimed at enhancing proprioceptive function to ultimately improve motor performance, a concept that has been explored in studies focused on sports injuries. In this study, we will utilize two proprioceptive exercises-rhythmic stabilization and ball balancing-to promote functional improvement in the upper extremities of children with spastic CP.

Detailed description

There will be two groups: Group A will consist of 16 patients undergoing rhythmic stabilization, while Group B will also have 16 patients participating in ball balancing activities. Data will be collected both before and after the intervention to determine the most effective approach. Data analysis will be conducted using SPSS version 23.00. This study will be a randomized clinical trial, with data collected from the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital (ULTH) and the Pakistan Society for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PSRD) in Lahore. A total of 32 patients will participate, equally divided into two groups through random allocation. The inclusion criteria will consist of children aged 5-12 with spastic CP, encompassing both genders. Patients with any neurological conditions, other orthopedic issues, a history of spine surgery, severe systemic disorders, psychiatric disorders, or neuromuscular disorders will be excluded from the study.

Conditions

• Spastic Cerebral Palsy (sCP)

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Rhythmic Stabilization	Rhythmic Stabilization Program for Children with Cerebral Palsy Objective: Enhance upper extremity strength and stability through rhythmic stabilization exercises. Program Overview: Duration: 30-minute sessions Frequency: Once per week for 6 weeks Exercise Steps: Positioning: The child positions their upper extremity within their available range of motion. Isometric Contraction: The child holds an isometric contraction, maintaining the position without movement. Therapist's Role: Apply resistance that is sufficient to elicit a reaction but not enough to disrupt the isometric contraction. Progression: Gradually increase the duration of the isometric hold. Increase the amount of resistance applied. Decrease the contact area between the therapist's hands and the child's upper extremity to enhance stability challenges. Monitoring and Adjustments: Assess the child's ability to maintain the contraction and adapt the resistance and support as needed. Encourage the child's engagement.
OTHER	Ball Balancing	Ball Balancing Program Objective: Improve balance and stability. Equipment: 48-inch gymnastic ball Program Details: * Duration: 6 weeks * Frequency: As needed Steps: 1. Initial Balance: * Eyes Open: Balance on hands for 10 seconds. * Progression: Increase to 3-5 repetitions of 60 seconds. 2. Eyes Closed: Repeat the above exercise with eyes closed. 3. Variations: * Both Hands on One Ball * Each Hand on Separate Balls * Weaker Arm on One Ball 4. Body Positions: Progress through four body positions with eyes open, then closed. 5. Correction: If the child misses a position, they open their eyes and reposition actively.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-09-25
• Primary completion: 2024-12-02
• Completion: 2025-01-02
• First posted: 2024-11-05
• Last updated: 2024-11-05

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan