Using fascial manipulation to help children with cerebral palsy
Official title: The Efficacy of Fascial Manipulation Compared to Stretching in the Rehabilitation of Children With Cerebral Palsy
Run by Orton Orthopaedic Hospital · NCT06837025 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if a special therapy called fascial manipulation can help children with cerebral palsy improve their movement and walking abilities.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 7 Years to 14 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Orton Orthopaedic Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Helsinki) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 4, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 24, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06837025 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children aged 7-14 years with cerebral palsy at GMFCS levels 2-3 who can cooperate during treatment.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have received fascial manipulation or other specific treatments within the last six months may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of fascial manipulation, a physiotherapy technique, in improving movement difficulties associated with cerebral palsy (CP) in children aged 7-14 years. The method focuses on treating the muscle fascia, which is believed to play a significant role in the stiffness and movement issues experienced by these children. By normalizing the function of muscle-related fascia, the study aims to enhance flexibility and walking ability in participants. The research is crucial for developing future rehabilitation methods for CP in Finland and beyond.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve mobility and quality of life for children with cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have gone: There have been few studies on fascial manipulation for CP, making this approach relatively novel and untested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 7-14 years * GMFCS level 2-3 * Good cooperation * Family living in the Helsinki metropolitan area Exclusion Criteria: * The child has previously received fascia manipulation by a Stecco-trained therapist or other fascia treatment (if done within the last 6 months) * Surgeries on the lower limbs (if done within the last 12 months) * Electrical stimulation treatments (if done within the last 3 months) * Botox treatments on the lower limbs (if done within the last 6 months) * Reduced cognitive level * Severe visual impairment (unable to perform the walking test) * Other illnesses: psychological or other serious illness
Where it's running
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Helsinki University Hospital
Helsinki, Finland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Juha-Pekka Kulmala, PhD
- Email: juha-pekka.kulmala@hus.fi
- Phone: +358404863595
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.