Effects of hydrotherapy on balance and motor control in children with cerebral palsy

Evaluation of the Effects of Hydrotherapy on Balance and Selective Motor Control in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Not applicable Interventional Gaziosmanpasa Research and Education Hospital · NCT06899035

This study is testing if hydrotherapy can help improve balance and movement control in children with cerebral palsy aged 4 to 18.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages4 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorGaziosmanpasa Research and Education Hospital Government
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Gaziosmanpasa)
Trial IDNCT06899035 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the impact of hydrotherapy on balance and selective motor control in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Participants aged 4 to 18 years with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels 1-4 will be randomly assigned to either a hydrotherapy intervention group or a control group receiving conventional exercise. Various assessments will be conducted to measure functional status, balance, motor control, activity, participation, quality of life, and goal achievement. The study is conducted at the Pediatric Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic of Sağlık Bilimleri University Gaziosmanpaşa Training and Research Hospital.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 4-18 years diagnosed with cerebral palsy and classified under GMFCS levels 1-4.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments, GMFCS level 5, or contraindications to hydrotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance rehabilitation strategies for children with cerebral palsy, improving their balance and motor control.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with hydrotherapy in improving motor functions in children with cerebral palsy, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy by a specialist physician
* Aged between 4-18 years
* Cooperative with physiotherapy applications
* Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels 1-4
* Willing to participate in the study and undergo assessments

Exclusion Criteria:

* Mental retardation or insufficient cognitive function to comply with study assessments
* GMFCS level 5
* Presence of an intrathecal baclofen pump for spasticity treatment or history of soft tissue and/or bone surgery
* Active infection or localized skin infection at the injection site
* History of active seizures
* Presence of contractures
* Serious systemic disease that may prevent exercise participation
* Injury and/or surgery within the last 6 months
* Botulinum toxin injection within the last 6 months
* Contraindications to hydrotherapy, including severe fear of water, behavioral problems, shortness of breath at rest, infection, incontinence, known chlorine allergy, open wounds, acute systemic illness, epilepsy, tracheostomy, permanent drains, immunodeficiency.

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Gaziosmanpasa

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 Cerebral Palsy Childrenhydrotherapyrehabilitationbalanceselective motor controlcerebral palsy
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.