Improving chest mobility in children with cerebral palsy using specific exercises

Comparative Effects of Upper Extremity Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Chest Expansion Exercises on Thoracic Mobility in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Not applicable Interventional Riphah International University · NCT06658236

This study tests whether specific exercises can help improve chest movement and breathing in children with cerebral palsy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment16 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorRiphah International University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province)
Trial IDNCT06658236 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) techniques and chest expansion exercises on thoracic mobility in children with cerebral palsy. The study will randomly assign 14 participants to two groups: one will perform upper extremity PNF exercises with elastic resistance bands, while the other will focus on chest expansion exercises. Data will be collected before and after the intervention using the Brompton BPAT breathing pattern assessment tool and chest cirtometry to measure changes in thoracic mobility. The goal is to enhance breathing capacity and improve daily functioning for these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children with cerebral palsy classified at Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I to III, who have not undergone orthopedic surgery in the last six months.

Not a fit: Patients with scoliosis or those currently experiencing respiratory infections may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve thoracic mobility and respiratory function in children with cerebral palsy.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific combination of PNF and chest expansion exercises in cerebral palsy is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Gross Motor Function Classification System level of I to III.
* BPAT score ≥ 4.
* Either gender will be included

Exclusion Criteria:

* Recent chest infection.
* Children who are hospitalized
* Scoliosis
* No orthopedic surgery in last 6 months

Where this trial is running

Lahore, Punjab Province

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 Palsychest cirtometryCerebral palsythoracic mobilityPNF of upper extremitychest expansionBPAT
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.