DMI versus Bobath for improving movement and trunk control in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy
Comparative Effects of Dynamic Movement Intervention and Bobath Approach on Neuromuscular Development in Spastic Cerebral Palsy
This project tests whether Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) or Bobath therapy better helps children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy improve lower-limb movement and trunk control.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 58 (estimated) |
| Ages | 2 Years to 4 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07238634 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy who meet motor-function criteria (GMFC I–III), have head control, and can follow simple instructions will be enrolled and receive either Dynamic Movement Intervention or Bobath therapy. DMI is a task-oriented, neuroplasticity-focused program emphasizing repetitive functional and trunk-focused activities, while Bobath is a traditional neurodevelopmental approach. Outcomes will include standardized measures of gross motor function and trunk control collected before and after the intervention period. The trial is conducted at Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital in Lahore and compares the two active therapies for effects on neuromuscular development and functional mobility.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy who have head control, can follow simple instructions, and are classified as GMFC level I to III are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children with significant cognitive impairment, uncorrected visual or hearing deficits, uncontrolled seizures, or recent lower-limb orthopedic surgery are unlikely to benefit or may be excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, DMI could produce greater improvements in trunk control and walking-related function than Bobath, potentially increasing independence and participation in daily activities.
How similar studies have performed: Task-oriented and trunk-focused interventions similar to DMI have shown promising improvements in trunk control and function in some trials, whereas evidence supporting superiority of Bobath over task-oriented approaches is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. * Gross Motor Function Measurement Scale (GMFC) level I to III. * Children who have head control. * Ability to understand and follow simple instructions. Exclusion Criteria: * Visual or hearing impairments (e.g., cataract, myopia, deafness). * Cognitive problems impacting participation. * Uncontrolled convulsions or recent seizure activity. * Orthopedic surgeries of the lower limbs, such as dorsal rhizotomy within the last year.
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Atiqa Niamat
- Email: atiqaniamat09@gmail.com
- Phone: 03039559523
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.