NCT07041593

The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Functional Gain in Cerebral Palsy: A Randomised Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (actual)
• Sponsor: Sadık Emre ÇELEBİ · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 5 Years – 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study investigates the effect of respiratory muscle training on respiratory muscle strength, respiratory parameters, trunk control, upper extremity function and dysphagia in patients with cerebral palsy aged 5-18 years. The results of the study aim to provide a clinical perspective for clinicians working with patients diagnosed with cerebral palsy between the ages of 5-18 years and to contribute to the literature.

Detailed description

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by permanent motor dysfunctions that develop in the prenatal, perinatal or postnatal period as a result of nonprogressive central nervous system involvement. CP involves not only the musculoskeletal system but also many different systems such as respiratory, digestive, sensory and cognitive systems, leading to a complex involvement. The complex involvement associated with the nature of CP necessitates a holistic and multidisciplinary approach in terms of treatment. In addition to common motor dysfunctions in the clinical picture, common comorbidities include epilepsy, swallowing disorders (dysphagia), gastrointestinal problems (e.g. constipation and reflux), nutritional deficiencies, behavioural problems, sensory disorders and respiratory system complications. In individuals with CP, musculoskeletal system involvement results in significant comorbidities in the respiratory system. Especially weakness of respiratory muscles, inadequate airway clearance, increased risk of aspiration and recurrent respiratory tract infections are among the important complications reported in individuals with CP. This situation is more prominent especially for patients at levels IV and V according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and significantly negatively affects the quality of life of both the individual with CP and their caregivers. Another important dysfunction in patients with CP is dysphagia, which develops mostly due to impaired motor control and coordination in the oral and pharyngeal phases. Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD) is quite common in children with CP and may lead to serious complications such as aspiration, malnutrition, growth retardation, gastroesophageal reflux disease and pneumonia. This effect, which can be seen in all phases of swallowing disorders, causes a decrease in muscle mass and immune functions by reducing energy intake, which increases susceptibility to infection. In the field of pulmonary rehabilitation, individualised exercise programmes targeting respiratory muscles have recently attracted considerable attention, and studies using inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and feedback devices have provided significant improvements in maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures. Studies have reported significant increases in daily living activities and quality of life of individuals after respiratory muscle training. In line with the literature, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of respiratory muscle training on respiratory muscle strength, respiratory and swallowing functions of individuals diagnosed with CP. In addition to the parameters mentioned in the study, the effectiveness of respiratory muscle training on trunk control and upper extremity functions in individuals with CP will also be questioned.

Conditions

• Cerebral Palsy
• Respiratory Muscle Training
• Dysphagia
• Balance Control
• Functional Abilities
• Respiratory Function Test

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Inspiratory Muscle Training and Traditional Physiotherapy	Participants in this group will undergo inspiratory muscle training (IMT). The resistance to be applied at the start of IMT has been set at 30% of the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) value. The MIP value will be remeasured every week, and the training load will be updated according to 30% of the new value obtained. IMT will be carried out twice a week with a physiotherapist and on the remaining days as a home programme, for a total of eight weeks, five days a week, 15 minutes a day. Participants in the experimental group will receive traditional physical therapy treatments for cerebral palsy in the same manner as the control group. In this context, traditional physical therapy methods based on neurodevelopmental principles will be applied and designed according to the individual's needs.
OTHER	Traditional Physiotherapy	Participants in the control group will undergo a neurodevelopmental-based traditional physiotherapy programme for 8 weeks, with two 40-minute sessions per week under the supervision of a physiotherapist; on other days, they will be asked to continue the exercises taught to their families at home.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-05-15
• Primary completion: 2025-12-20
• Completion: 2025-12-22
• First posted: 2025-06-27
• Last updated: 2026-01-09

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)