NCT07283133

Effects of Task Specific Circuit Training on Gross Motor Function, Balance, and Quality of Life in Cerebral Palsy

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 34 (actual)
• Sponsor: Foundation University Islamabad · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 5 Years – 12 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study investigates how Task-Specific Circuit Training (TSCT) affects gross motor function, balance, and quality of life in children with Cerebral Palsy. Two groups will be compared: one receiving TSCT and the other receiving conventional physiotherapy. Outcome measures, such as the GMFM, Pediatric Balance Scale, and CP-QoL questionnaire, will be recorded before and after a 8-week intervention (40-50 minutes, 3 sessions per week). Participants will be screened using GMFCS levels I-III. The study aims to determine whether TSCT provides greater improvements in functional mobility, postural control, and overall well-being compared to standard therapy.

Detailed description

This study evaluates the effects of a task-specific circuit training program on functional performance in individuals with cerebral palsy. The intervention is based on motor learning principles and emphasizes repetitive, goal-directed, and functionally relevant activities to enhance neuromuscular control and postural stability. The task-specific circuit training protocol consists of a series of functional workstations targeting gross motor activities commonly required in daily life, including transitional movements, ambulation-related tasks, and static and dynamic balance activities. Exercises are individualized and progressively modified by adjusting task complexity, repetitions, and external support based on participant performance and tolerance. All training sessions are supervised by trained physiotherapists to ensure standardized implementation and safety. The intervention is delivered over a structured training period with multiple sessions per week. Each session follows a standardized format consisting of a warm-up phase, circuit-based task-specific exercises, and a cool-down phase. The training approach prioritizes active participation, task repetition, and functional relevance to promote motor performance and functional independence. The study examines changes in functional outcomes following the intervention period to determine the clinical utility of task-specific circuit training as a rehabilitation strategy for individuals with cerebral palsy.

Conditions

• Cerebral Palsy (CP)
• Quality of Life (QOL)

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Task-Specific Circuit Training (TSCT)	Task-specific circuit training program consisting of 14 workstations designed to improve gross motor skills, balance, strength, and functional mobility. Each station includes a specific functional task-such as reaching, sit-to-stand, stepping in different directions, heel-to-toe raises, squatting, straight-leg raises, stair climbing, backward walking, balance-beam walking, core exercises, bridges, opposite-arm/leg raises, side-bridge exercises, and stationary cycling. Progression at each station is achieved by increasing difficulty through adjustments such as varying distances or heights, increasing repetitions, adding weights, altering surfaces (firm/soft), increasing movement speed, reducing squat depth, carrying objects during tasks, or increasing resistance (for cycling). Overall, the program gradually challenges the child's balance, strength, coordination, and motor control by systematically modifying task demands.
PROCEDURE	Conventional Physical Therapy	Conventional physical therapy will include stretching, strengthening, and positioning exercises. Spastic muscles will be stretched to mild discomfort, held for 20 seconds, and repeated five times. Weak muscles will be strengthened with 10 resisted contractions per session. Parents will be advised to seat the child with legs apart on a bench/block with heels supported and to practice wall-standing with legs moderately abducted and externally rotated for 15 minutes daily after exercises.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-09-13
• Primary completion: 2025-12-10
• Completion: 2025-12-20
• First posted: 2025-12-15
• Last updated: 2025-12-31

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan