NCT07048223

Expiratory Muscle Training in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Effects of Expiratory Muscle Training on Posture, Balance, Trunk Control, and Respiratory Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Istinye University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 12 Years – 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study aims to examine the effects of expiratory muscle training on posture, trunk control, balance, selective motor control, and respiratory function in children with spastic-type cerebral palsy (CP). The research focuses on evaluating an innovative rehabilitation approach that addresses common challenges observed in children with CP, such as trunk instability, reduced respiratory capacity, and postural abnormalities. In individuals with CP, the ineffective use of respiratory muscles affects not only the respiratory system but also trunk control and overall motor performance. While most existing studies emphasize inspiratory muscle training, research on expiratory muscle training remains limited. Therefore, this study seeks to fill this gap by investigating the neuromotor effects of expiratory muscle training-an emerging component of respiratory rehabilitation-in children with CP.

Conditions

• Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Expiratory Muscle Training	In the expiratory muscle training group, participants will receive a respiratory exercise program consisting of breathing control, diaphragmatic breathing, and thoracic expansion exercises. In addition, expiratory muscle training (EMT) will be performed using the POWERbreathe EX1 device at 50% of each participant's measured maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). Participants will be instructed to perform 25 repetitions per session, structured as 5 cycles of 5 breaths with 1-minute rest intervals between each cycle. The training will be performed daily at home for a duration of 8 weeks. Compliance will be monitored through exercise tracking forms. To ensure progressive loading, MEP will be reassessed every 10 days, and the resistance of the device will be adjusted accordingly. Participants will be invited for in-person interim evaluations at these 10-day intervals to update their training parameters.
BEHAVIORAL	Sham Expiratory Muscle Training	In the sham expiratory muscle training group, participants will perform a respiratory exercise program including breathing control, diaphragmatic breathing, and thoracic expansion exercises. In addition, sham expiratory muscle training will be administered using the POWERbreathe EX1 device set at 10% of the participant's measured maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), providing minimal resistance. Participants will be instructed to perform the exercises daily at home for a period of 8 weeks. Compliance will be monitored through exercise tracking forms. No progressive loading or resistance adjustments will be made during the intervention period.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-07-30
• Primary completion: 2026-01-30
• Completion: 2026-03-30
• First posted: 2025-07-02
• Last updated: 2025-07-22