A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial of an Online Exercise Programme for Adults With Cerebral Palsy

NCT06983782 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: REC202501020
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) often face challenges in accessing exercise programmes that are appropriate for their needs. Barriers such as limited mobility, a lack of tailored options, and restricted access to physiotherapy services can make participation difficult. Exercise is important for improving physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. However, many adults with CP do not have regular opportunities to take part in structured physical activity. This study aims to investigate whether an online exercise programme can serve as an effective and accessible alternative. The main aim of the study is to assess the feasibility of delivering an online exercise programme for adults with CP. Key areas of focus will include demand, implementation, practicality, adaptability, acceptability, and potential benefits to physical, mental, and social well-being. A total of 60 adults with CP will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups (30 participants per group). One group will complete an 8-week online exercise and education programme. The second group will receive the same educational materials during the study and will be provided with information about the home exercise programme after the 8-week intervention period. Data will be collected on attendance, completion rates, engagement with exercises, and any reported adverse events. Health-related surveys will be completed before and after the programme to assess any changes. In addition, a selected group of participants from the intervention group will take part in interviews to provide feedback on their experiences. Findings from this study may support the development of accessible, effective, and person-centred online exercise programmes for adults with CP. Results may help improve future programme design and contribute to better care and support for adults with CP in Ireland.

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy; Exercise; Adults; Fitness

Keywords

Adults with cerebral palsy; Online exercise programme; physiotherapy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Physical function

  Physical function will be measured using the PROMIS physical function- Short Form 10a scale.

  Duration of study 2 years

• Mobility

  Mobility will be measured using the Functional mobility scale on a scale of 0-6.

  rolling recruitment over 1.2 years

• Presence of Pain

  Pain will be assessed using a self-reported questionnaire, measured as Yes or No with description.

  Duration of study 2 years

Secondary Outcomes (8)

• Pain intensity

  Duration of study 2 years

• Pain quality

  Duration of study 2 years

• Pain interference

  Duration of study 2 years

• Fatigue

  Duration of study 2 years

• Sleep

  Duration of study 2 years

Other Outcomes (4)

• Practicality

  Duration of study 2 years

• Recruitment rate

  Duration of study 2 years

• Fidelity to the intervention receipt

  Duration of study 2 years

Study Arms (2)

Exercise and Education

EXPERIMENTAL

Online exercise programme and educational material over 8 weeks.

Other: Exercise and education programme

Placebo

PLACEBO COMPARATOR

Educational materials over 8 weeks

Other: control group

Interventions

Exercise and education programme OTHER

Participants will complete 8-week online exercise programme consisting of an online exercise class once per week. The exercises will target improving strength, balance and range of movement. In addition, participants will receive educational materials on exercise, nutrition, walking changes, fatigue, optimizing bone health, pain management, mental health, sleep and physical activity maintenance.

Exercise and Education

control group OTHER

The control group will receive educational materials over 8 weeks

Placebo

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 18 and over with cerebral palsy (CP) residing on the island of Ireland.
• Individuals of any Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level.
• Individuals with other associated impairments.
• People with mild-to-moderate intellectual disability who can access the online platform and follow study instructions, with or without support.

You may not qualify if:

• Individuals with severe intellectual disability where sufficient adaptations cannot be made.
• Adults with unstable medical conditions.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland: lead

Study Sites (1)

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Dublin, Leinster, Dublin 2, Ireland

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy; Motor Activity

Interventions

Exercise; Control Groups

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

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

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena; Epidemiologic Research Design; Epidemiologic Methods; Investigative Techniques; Research Design; Methods

Study Officials

• Jennifer M Ryan, PhD

  Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Manjula Manikandan, PhD

CONTACT

+3531402; manikandanmanjula@rcsi.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 1, 2025
• First Posted: May 21, 2025
• Study Start: July 25, 2025
• Primary Completion: February 28, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): August 31, 2026
• Last Updated: August 3, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

IE (1)