Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 2 to 5

Effects of diving and aquatic exercises on muscle spasticity and motor function in children with cerebral palsy

Official title: Effect of Diving and Aquatic Exercises on Muscle Spasticity and Motor Function in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Run by Benha University · NCT06902168 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests if diving and water exercises can help young children with spastic cerebral palsy move better and reduce muscle tightness.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages2 Years to 5 Years
SexAll
Enrollment37 (estimated)
SponsorBenha University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Banhā, Benha)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 29, 2025
Main results expectedAugust 1, 2025
Study endsAugust 1, 2025
Registry record updatedApril 1, 2025
Trial IDNCT06902168 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are children aged 2 to 5 years with a diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy at GMFCS levels IV or V.

Probably not a fit

Patients who have received botulinum toxin treatment or surgery in the last three months may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates how diving and aquatic exercises impact muscle spasticity and motor function in children diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy. It focuses on children aged 2 to 5 years, utilizing hydrotherapy as a supplementary treatment due to its potential benefits in improving mobility and motivation. The program involves an intensive swimming regimen designed to leverage the buoyancy of water, making movement easier for children with significant mobility challenges. The study aims to provide insights into the effectiveness of aquatic therapy for enhancing physical function in this population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve motor function and reduce muscle spasticity in young children with cerebral palsy.

How similar studies have gone: While hydrotherapy is a common treatment for children with neuro-motor impairments, this specific approach focusing on diving and aquatic exercises is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age from 2 to 5 years.
* Both sexes.
* Children diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy, categorized according to the Gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) levels IV, V.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Botulinum toxin treatment or surgery in the preceding three months.
* Botox injections before or during the application of the program.
* Dorsal rhizotomy.

Where it's running

  • Benha University (faculty of physical education)
    Banhā, Benha, Egypt
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.