Rhythmic auditory cues to improve motion after lower-limb fractures in children
Effects of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation on Pain and Range of Motion in Children With Post- Fracture Rehabilitation of Lower Limb
We will try rhythmic sound cues during rehab to see if they reduce pain and improve joint movement in children recovering from lower-limb fractures.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 17 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07579520 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Children roughly 5–18 years old who are in the subacute post-casting rehabilitation phase after a closed lower-limb fracture receive rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) alongside standard physiotherapy sessions. RAS uses metronome-like or music-based beats to cue timing and cadence during active range-of-motion and gait exercises. Pain scores and joint range-of-motion are measured before and after the intervention period to track changes. Participants with hearing impairment, cognitive or neurological conditions, multiple severe injuries, or contraindications to physical therapy are excluded.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged about 5–18 with a closed tibia, fibula, femur, or ankle fracture treated non-surgically who are in the 4–6 week post-fracture rehabilitation phase and can follow instructions are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children with multiple significant injuries, known hearing loss, cognitive or neurological impairments, recent surgeries that contraindicate therapy, or pre-existing chronic pain conditions may not receive benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding rhythmic auditory cues could lower pain and speed recovery of joint mobility for children after lower-limb fractures.
How similar studies have performed: RAS has shown benefits for motor coordination and gait in neurorehabilitation populations (stroke, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy), but it is largely untested in pediatric post-fracture orthopedic rehabilitation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age range typically 5 to18 years * Closed lower limb fracture (tibia, fibula, femur, ankle) treated non-surgically with immobilization (e.g., cast, splint, brace) * Patients in rehabilitation stage (not immediate post-op trauma care) * Sub-acute or post-casting phase where active ROM and gait training are clinically indicated * Post-Fracture Stage: Within 4-6 weeks post-fracture * Ability to Participate * Able to follow instructions and participate in RAS sessions * Medically stable and cleared for physical therapy. Exclusion Criteria: * Acute emergency management studies * Presence of multiple fractures or other significant injuries. * Known hearing impairments that may affect response to auditory stimulation. * Presence of cognitive or neurological impairments that may affect participation. * Pre-existing chronic pain conditions that may confound pain assessments. * Recent surgeries or medical conditions that may contraindicate physical therapy or RAS.
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Clc — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jawad Ahmed, MS PPT — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Imran Amjad, Phd
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 03324390125
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.