Combining treadmill training and whole-body vibration for children with cerebral palsy

Effects of the Addition of a Single Bout of Whole-Body Vibration to a Single Bout of Treadmill Training on Gait and Spasticity in Ambulatory Children With Cerebral Palsy

Not applicable Interventional Georgia State University · NCT04630392

This study is testing if combining treadmill training with whole-body vibration can help improve walking and reduce stiffness in children with cerebral palsy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorGeorgia State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Atlanta, Georgia)
Trial IDNCT04630392 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of combining treadmill training (TT) with whole-body vibration (WBV) on children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). The research involves 20 children aged 6 to 17 who will undergo a series of treadmill sessions followed by WBV to assess changes in lower extremity spasticity and gait parameters. Measurements will be taken at multiple time points to evaluate the immediate effects of these interventions on gait characteristics. The goal is to determine if this combined approach can enhance rehabilitation outcomes for children with CP.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6 to 17 with a medical diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy and a GMFCS level of I, II, or III.

Not a fit: Patients with recent musculoskeletal injuries, Botox injections, significant cardiac issues, or cognitive/behavioral problems may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved gait and reduced spasticity in children with cerebral palsy.

How similar studies have performed: While the individual effects of WBV and TT have been studied, this specific combination approach is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* a medical diagnosis of spastic CP
* a GMFCS level of I, II, or III
* age of 6-17 years at the time of data collection

Exclusion Criteria:

* history of musculoskeletal injury within the past 3 months
* history of Botox injections to the lower extremities within the past 3 months
* history of significant cardiac abnormalities and/or uncontrolled seizures
* any cognitive or behavioral issues that prevent the subject from safely following instructions while walking on the treadmill

Where this trial is running

Atlanta, Georgia

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.
Conditions Cerebral Palsy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.