Comparing whole body vibration and functional strength training for balance in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy

Whole Body Vibration Versus Functional Strength Training On Balance In Children With Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy: Randomized Comparative Study

This study is testing whether whole body vibration training or functional strength training helps improve balance in children aged five to eight with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Ages: 4 Years to 8 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Kafrelsheikh University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Kafr Ash Shaykh)
• Trial ID: NCT05936554 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of whole body vibration (WBV) training versus functional strength training (FST) on improving balance in children aged five to eight years with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Hemiparesis often leads to balance disturbances due to muscle weakness on one side of the body, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life. The study will assess which training method better enhances balance control, a critical component for functional skills and independence. Participants will be selected based on specific inclusion criteria, including their ability to walk independently and follow instructions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged five to eight years with spasticity grades I and II and who can walk independently.

Not a fit: Patients with severe conditions such as uncontrolled convulsions, fixed contractures, or significant visual or auditory impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective physical therapy approach to improve balance in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on balance training in children with cerebral palsy, the specific comparison of WBV and FST is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* The children in the study will be selected according to the following criteria:

  1. Their chronological age ranged from five to eight years old.
  2. Spasticity Grade I and II according to Modified Ashworth Scale.
  3. They will be on Level II and III according to Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS)
  4. Have the ability to walk independently.
  5. They can understand order and follow instruction.
  6. The child will be able to follow verbal commands and instructions.
  7. They can firmly grasp the rails of biodex device.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Children with visual or auditory problems.
2. Children with uncontrolled convulsions.
3. Children with fixed contractures and deformities.
4. Children with surgical intervention less than one year.
5. Children injected by BOTOX in the calf muscle from less than one year.
6. Children had heart disease.
7. Children with epilepsy.
8. Children with severe diabetes.
9. Children with severe vascular disease

Where this trial is running

Kafr Ash Shaykh

• Faculty of Physical Therapy — Kafr Ash Shaykh, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Amany Ibrahim Abd Elhamed Sabra, Bachelor of physical therapy

Conditions Cerebral Palsy; Hemiparesis; cerebral palsy; balance; whole body vibration; functional strength training