Fun-Core child-friendly core stabilization exercises to improve balance and mobility in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
Effects of Fun-Core (Child-Friendly Core Stabilization) Exercises on Balance and Functional Mobility in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
This program will try a child-friendly core stabilization exercise routine to improve balance and everyday movement in children aged 6 to 12 with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 54 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istanbul University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Fatih) |
| Trial ID | NCT07233824 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
In a prospective, randomized, single-blind design, 54 children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (ages 6–12, GMFCS I–III) at Istanbul University will be assigned by computer randomization to a Fun-Core exercise program or a control group. Baseline and post-treatment assessments will record balance and functional mobility using standardized forms filled at pre- and post-treatment follow-ups. Parents and children will receive written and verbal information and provide informed consent before participation. Key exclusions include recent botulinum toxin injections, recent lower-extremity or lumbar surgery, uncontrolled seizures, severe sensory deficits, cognitive inability to follow commands, and fixed lower-extremity contractures.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 6–12 with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, GMFCS levels 1–3, shoe size 30 or above, and the ability to follow simple commands are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children with severe cognitive impairment, uncontrolled epilepsy, recent botulinum toxin or recent lower-extremity/lumbar surgery, severe vision or hearing loss, or fixed lower-extremity contractures are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve trunk control, balance, and functional mobility, helping children perform daily activities more easily.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies of core-stabilization and trunk-control exercises in children with cerebral palsy have shown modest improvements in balance and mobility, although child-focused programs like Fun-Core are less extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy between the ages of 6 and 12 * Children with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Levels 1, 2, and 3 * Shoe sizes 30 and above Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive impairments that prevent understanding and performing simple commands and tasks * Botulinum toxin injections into the upper and/or lower extremities within the last 6 months * History of lower extremity or lumbar surgery within the last year * Presence of uncontrolled severe epileptic seizures * Presence of severe vision or hearing problems * Presence of fixed contractures in the lower extremities
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Fatih
- Istanbul Unıversity, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Istanbul, Fatih, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Berk Korkut, MD, Res. Assist. Dr.
- Email: berkkorkut@windowslive.com
- Phone: +905305202866
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.