Neural mobilization for children with cerebral palsy

Effect of Neural Mobilization, Compared to Conventional Physical Therapy, in Children Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. a Pragmatic Approach

Not applicable Interventional University of Seville · NCT06485830

This study is testing if special stretching techniques for the legs can help children with cerebral palsy move better and improve their quality of life compared to regular physical therapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment42 (estimated)
Ages5 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Seville Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Cordoba and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06485830 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effects of neural mobilization techniques applied to the lower limbs in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy, comparing it to conventional physical therapy. The research will utilize the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health to assess changes in structure, activity, and participation dimensions. A single-blinded randomized clinical trial design will be employed, where the evaluator will not know which treatment group the participants belong to. The focus will be on observing improvements in gross motor function and quality of life through targeted interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 with cerebral palsy who can walk with or without assistive devices.

Not a fit: Patients with significant joint issues or recent botulinum toxin treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance mobility and overall quality of life for children with cerebral palsy.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific application of neural mobilization techniques in this population is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children and adolescents diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy or presence of spasticity and aged between 5 and 18 years.
* Level I to V in the Gross Motor Function Classification System, which denotes that the participant should be able to walk with or without using assistive devices.
* Increased muscle tone in the lower extremities, represented by a score greater than 0 on the Tardieu clinical scale and a positive response in the Duncan Ely test.
* Ability to communicate pain.
* Ability to follow simple commands.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have ankle joint arthrodesis or any surgical operation that prevents joint mobilization of the lower limb to some degree.
* Any significant change in medication treatment during the study period that may influence (increase or decrease) muscle tone.
* Experience uncontrolled epileptic seizures despite medication.
* Have received botulinum toxin treatment in the lower limb within the 6 months prior to the study.
* Undergo a different physical therapy treatment parallel to that developed in the study.

Where this trial is running

Cordoba and 1 other locations

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 PalsyNeurologic Disorderrange of motionpain intensitygross motor functionneural mobilisationquality of lifemuscle stiffness
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.