The Role of Pilates, Plyometrics, and Their Combination for Children With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

NCT05429281 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: RHPT/0021/0114
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 81
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study was conducted to compare the effect of Pilates-based core strengthening (PsCS) and plyometric-based muscle loading (PlyoML) and their combination on postural control, balance, and mobility in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (ULCP). Eighty-one children with ULCP were randomly allocated to the PsCS (n = 27), PlyoML (n = 27), or combined intervention (n = 27) group. Participants in the three groups were assessed for postural control, balance, and mobility on the pre and post-treatment occasions.

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Limit of postural stability

  The capacity to control and move the center of gravity in various directions across their base of support was assessed utilizing the Biodex balance system. Values are expressed as accuracy % and higher scores mean better balance capability.

  2 months

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Community Balance and Mobility Scale

  2 months

• Functional Walking Test

  2 months

• Timed Up and Down Stair test

  2 months

Study Arms (3)

Pilates-based Core Strengthening Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this group performed eight PsCS exercises geared predominantly to the core muscles.

Other: Pilates-based Core Strengthening Exercises

Plyometric-based Muscle Loading Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this group performed 10 PlyoML exercises primarily focused on the lower body.

Other: Plyometric-based Muscle Loading Exercises

Combined training group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group performed the same exercises as the PsCS and PlyoML groups, although with half the number of sets/repetitions.

Other: Combined Pilates and Plyometrics

Interventions

Pilates-based Core Strengthening Exercises OTHER

The PsCS group performed eight Pilates exercises over 45 minutes, three times per week for 12 successive weeks. The training was conducted under the supervision of a physical therapist who had more than 5 years of experience in Pilates.

Pilates-based Core Strengthening Group

Plyometric-based Muscle Loading Exercises OTHER

The PlyoML group performed 10 plyometric exercises over 45 minutes, three times per week for 12 successive weeks. The training was conducted under the close supervision of a licensed pediatric physical therapist. The safety and performance guidelines, defined by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US National Strength and Conditioning Association, were considered during training.

Plyometric-based Muscle Loading Group

Combined Pilates and Plyometrics OTHER

The combined training group performed the same exercises as the PsCS and PlyoML groups, although with half the number of sets/repetitions over 45 minutes, three times per week for 12 successive weeks. The PsCS and PlyoML were executed within the same session, with a 10-to-15-minute rest interval. The training was conducted under the close supervision of a licensed pediatric physical therapist. The safety and performance guidelines, defined by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US National Strength and Conditioning Association, were considered during training.

Combined training group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 12 Years - 18 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Unilateral cerebral palsy
• Age 12-18 years
• Motor function level I or II according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System.
• Spasticity level 1 or 1+ according to the Modified Ashworth Scale

You may not qualify if:

• Structural deformities/contractures
• Musculoskeletal or neural surgery in the last year
• BOTOX injection in the last 6 months.
• Cardiopulmonary disorders interfere with the ability to engage in exercise training.
• Perceptual and/or behavioral disorders.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Cairo University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Ragab K. Elnaggar

Al Kharj, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

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

Study Officials

• Ragab K Elnaggar, PhD

  Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz 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 blinded to the treatment allocation
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Professor

Model Details: A prospective, assessor-blinded, randomized study

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 18, 2022
• First Posted: June 23, 2022
• Study Start: February 7, 2021
• Primary Completion: April 28, 2022
• Study Completion: April 28, 2022
• Last Updated: June 23, 2022

Record last verified: 2022-06

Locations

SA (1)