Aquatic therapy's effects on children with cerebral palsy

The Impact of Aquatic Therapy on Walking, Balance Functions, and Quality of Life in Children With Cerebral Palsy

NA · Ankara City Hospital Bilkent · NCT06398756

This study tests if adding aquatic therapy to regular rehab helps children with cerebral palsy walk better, balance more, and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment34 (estimated)
Ages3 Years to 16 Years
SexAll
SponsorAnkara City Hospital Bilkent (other)
Locations1 site (Ankara, Ankara, Bilkent-Çankaya)
Trial IDNCT06398756 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of aquatic therapy in conjunction with traditional rehabilitation methods for children diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving conventional rehabilitation alone and the other receiving both conventional rehabilitation and aquatic therapy. The goal is to assess improvements in walking, balance functions, and overall quality of life. If aquatic therapy proves superior, it could lead to broader implementation in rehabilitation programs for these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3 to 16 with hemiplegic or diplegic cerebral palsy at GMFCS levels I, II, and III.

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled seizures, serious learning difficulties, or other significant impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance rehabilitation outcomes and quality of life for children with cerebral palsy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with aquatic therapy in rehabilitation, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Having a diagnosis of Hemiplegic Type or Diplegic Type Cerebral Palsy
2. Being between the ages of 3 and 16
3. Being at GMFCS levels I, II, and III
4. Having sufficient cognitive abilities such as understanding simple instructions, following them, and performing requested tasks
5. Parents and patients aged ≥ 9 agreeing to participate in the research

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Experiencing uncontrolled seizures
2. Having serious learning difficulties, behavioral problems, skin lesions, visual and/or hearing impairments that could affect function and participation
3. Active infection
4. Incontinence

Where this trial is running

Ankara, Ankara, Bilkent-Çankaya

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cerebral Palsy, aquatic therapy, rehabiltation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.