Effect of pelvis training on trunk control in children with cerebral palsy

Neuromuscular Mechanisms of Specific Trunk Interventions in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Not applicable Interventional Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · NCT05805410

This study is testing if special training for the pelvis can help improve trunk control and movement in children with cerebral palsy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages4 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorShirley Ryan AbilityLab Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT05805410 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the impact of repeated pelvis perturbation training on trunk posture and locomotor function in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP). The intervention involves robotic hippotherapy and conventional physical therapy to enhance postural control and movement abilities. Children aged 4 to 12 years with specific inclusion criteria will participate in this interventional approach to assess functional improvements. The study will focus on children with bilateral spastic CP who can sit independently for a minimum duration.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 4 to 12 years with bilateral spastic CP who can sit independently and meet specific health criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with severe lower extremity contractures, fractures, or aggressive behaviors may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve trunk control and mobility in children with cerebral palsy.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar therapeutic approaches, indicating potential for success in this intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children with a diagnosis of bilateral spastic CP attributed to complications of prematurity, intracranial hemorrhage and periventricular leukmalacia according to the definition of Bax.
* Children aged 4 to 12 years old without Botulinum toxin treatment within 6 months, and without surgeries (such as selective dorsal rhizotomy) within 12 months before the onset of the training.
* Subjects will be able to remain seated without help for ≥10s.
* GMFCS levels will be I to IV.
* Children must be able to signal pain, fear or discomfort reliably.
* Children with mild scoliosis (Cobb angle \< 20 °).
* Children with CP who have no prior hippotherapy experiences within 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

* severe lower extremity contractures, fractures, osseous instabilities, osteoporosis.
* severe disproportional bone growth.
* unhealed skin lesions in the lower extremities.
* thromboembolic diseases, cardiovascular instability.
* aggressive or self-harming behaviors.

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

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 Child Behavior
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.