Aquatic-based Explosive Strength Training in Children With Cerebral Palsy

NCT05198999 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: RHPT/0018/0069
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 56
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study was designed to assess the effect of a 12-week aquatic-based plyometric (Aqua-PLYO) training on postural control and functional performance in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy (h-CP). Fifty-six children with h-CP were randomly allocated to the Aqua-PLYO group (n = 28, received an Aqua-PLYO training program, trice/week, over 12 weeks) or the control group (n =28, received standard rehabilitation). Both groups were assessed for postural control and functional performance pre and post-treatment.

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy

Keywords

Unilateral Cerebral Palsy; Balance; Rehabilitation; Exercise; Function; Activity; Participation

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (8)

• Directional Control

  The amount of movement demonstrated in the desired direction, i.e. towards the target, to the amount of external movement in the opposite direction of the target, expressed as a percentage.

  2 months

• Reaction time

  The time, taken by an individual to start shifting his center of gravity from the static position after the cue, measured in seconds

  2 months

• Movement Velocity

  The average speed at which the center of gravity shifts, measured in degree/second

  2 months

• EndPoint Excursion

  The distance willingly covered by the subject in his very first attempt towards the target, expressed as a percentage (%)

  2 months

• Maximum Excursion

  The distance, the subject actually covered or moved his center of gravity toward a target, expressed as a percentage (%) of the dynamic limit of stability

  2 months

• Functional lower limb strength

  the functional strength of lower limbs was measured by the 30-second sit-to-stand test. The test determines the number of sit-to-stand task repetitions performed within 30 seconds. The higher number of repetitions indicates better performance.

  2 months

• Functional mobility

  Functional mobility was assessed by Timed Up and Down Stairs test. the test measures the time (second) that the subject takes to go upstairs, turn around, and come back down. Shorter time indicates better performance.

  2 months

• Gait balance

  Gait balance was measured by the Dynamic Gait Index. The dynamic gait index quantified the ability of the participant to maintain walking balance while responding to different task demands, through various dynamic conditions. The index includes eight items, walking on level surfaces, changing speeds, head turns in horizontal and vertical directions, walking and turning 180 degrees to stop, stepping over and around obstacles, and stair ascent and descent. Each item is scored on a scale of 0 to 3, with 3 indicating normal performance and 0 representing severe impairment. The best possible score is 24. Higher scores mean a better outcome.

  2 months

Study Arms (2)

Aqua-PLYO group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group received the Aqua-PLYO training program

Other: Aquatic-based Plyometric Exercises

Control group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this group received the standard physical rehabilitation program

Other: Standard Physical Therapy

Interventions

Aquatic-based Plyometric Exercises OTHER

The Aqua-PLYO group received the aquatic plyometric exercise training for 45 minutes, three times per week for 12 successive weeks. The training was conducted under close supervision of a licensed pediatric physical therapist according to safety performance guidelines defined by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US National Strength and Conditioning Association

Aqua-PLYO group

Standard Physical Therapy OTHER

The control group received the standard physical rehabilitation program conducted for 45 minutes, thrice a week for 12 consecutive weeks, and consisted of advanced balance training, gait training, postural and flexibility exercises, and strength training exercises.

Control group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 12 Years - 16 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Hemiparetic cerebral palsy
• Age between 12 to 16 years
• Spasticity level 1 or 1+ according to the Modified Ashworth Scale
• Gross motor function level I or II according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System

You may not qualify if:

• Structural deformities
• Musculoskeletal or neural surgery in the last year
• BOTOX injection in the last 6 months.
• Cardiopulmonary disorders limit the ability to engage in explosive exercise training
• Hemi-spatial neglect

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Cairo University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Ragab K. Elnaggar

Al Kharj, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy; Motor Activity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Brain Damage, Chronic; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Behavior

Study Officials

• Ragab K Elnaggar, PhD

  Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Ragab K Elnaggar, PhD

  Cairo University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: This was a single-blind protocol. The researcher who collected the data was blind to the allocation of treatment
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Professor

Model Details: A prospective pre-test post-test randomized controlled trial

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 19, 2021
• First Posted: January 20, 2022
• Study Start: August 6, 2018
• Primary Completion: September 26, 2019
• Study Completion: September 26, 2019
• Last Updated: January 20, 2022

Record last verified: 2022-01

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

SA (1)