Comparing massage therapy and tissue flossing for children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy

Comparison of Massage Therapy and Tissue Flossing Technique in Children With Diplegic Cerebral Palsy

NA · Riphah International University · NCT06064357

This study tests whether massage therapy or tissue flossing works better to help children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy improve their movement and muscle function.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 15 Years
SexAll
SponsorRiphah International University (other)
Locations1 site (Quetta, Balochistan)
Trial IDNCT06064357 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of massage therapy and tissue flossing techniques in children diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. A randomized control trial will be conducted with 56 participants, divided into two groups of 28, over a six-week period. The study will utilize tools such as a goniometer, muscle length tests, and the Functional Mobility Scale to assess outcomes before and after the interventions. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 23 to determine the efficacy of each treatment approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 12 to 15 years with a diagnosis of spastic diplegic cerebral palsy and specific muscle tone and motor function criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with recent lower limb fractures, soft tissue injuries, or those who have undergone surgical interventions for spasticity may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide new therapeutic options to improve mobility and quality of life for children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on massage therapy for cerebral palsy, the specific comparison with tissue flossing is relatively novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Participants falling in this category would be recruited into the study.

* Both genders (male and female).
* Age between 12 - 15 years.
* Diagnosed patients of spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.
* Muscle tone between (1 and 1+) according to modified Ashworth scale.
* Gross motor function classification system level will be from I to IV.
* Children who has communication skills (according to communication function classification system, level I - III).

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants falling in this category would be excluded from the study.

* Previous Fracture/Trauma of lower limb less than six month prior to the study.
* Soft tissue injury of lower limb less than six month prior to the study.
* History of any surgical intervention for the management of spasticity or any orthopedic surgery of lower limb.
* Any therapeutic intervention for the management of spasticity i-e (botulinum injections, ITB and drugs) less than six month prior to the study.
* Children with multiple disabilities.
* Seizure.
* Latex allergy.

Where this trial is running

Quetta, Balochistan

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: Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy, Massage Therapy, Tissue Flossing, Diplegia cerebral palsy,

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.