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

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

NA · Benha University · NCT06902168

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

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment37 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 5 Years
SexAll
SponsorBenha University (other)
Locations1 site (Banhā, Benha)
Trial IDNCT06902168 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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

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

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

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Banhā, Benha

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: Diving, Aquatic, Muscle Spasticity, Motor Function, Children, Spastic 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.