NCT07251751

Forward Versus Backward Gait Training on Functional Abilities in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (actual)
• Sponsor: Cairo University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 6 Years – 9 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study aims to compare the effects of forward versus backward gait training on functional abilities in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Participants will receive gait training sessions focusing on either forward or backward walking to evaluate improvements in balance, mobility, and gross motor function.

Detailed description

\> Cerebral palsy is a common neurological disorder in children that affects movement and posture. Spastic cerebral palsy is characterized by muscle stiffness and impaired motor control, which limits the child's functional mobility. Gait training is an essential part of rehabilitation programs for children with cerebral palsy. Previous studies have shown that both forward and backward walking can improve motor performance, but limited evidence exists comparing the two methods directly. The present randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effects of forward gait training versus backward gait training on functional abilities in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Participants will be randomly assigned into three groups: group (A) will receive a designed physical therapy program. group (B) will receive the same program with forward gait training on treadmill. group (C) will receive the same designed physical therapy program beside backward gait training on treadmill three times weekly over three successive months. Outcome measures will include muscle strength of measurements, range of motion of lower limb,gait pattern changes and gross motor function measurements.

Conditions

• Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	control group ( designed physical therapy program)	Participants receive traditional physical therapy exercises focusing on stretching, strengthening, and balance training for the same duration as the experimental groups.
BEHAVIORAL	forward gait training	The training program consists of forward walking exercises conducted three times per week for three successive months under the supervision of a physical therapist.
BEHAVIORAL	backward gait training	The training program consists of backward walking exercises conducted three times per week for three successive months under the supervision of a physical therapist.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-11-01
• Primary completion: 2026-02-01
• Completion: 2026-03-01
• First posted: 2025-11-26
• Last updated: 2026-03-19

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt