VOJTA technique for children with ataxic cerebral palsy
Official title: Effects of VOJTA Technique on Muscle Tone, Gross Motor Function and Balance on Ataxic Cerebral Palsy.
Run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences · NCT07291128 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether VOJTA therapy helps children aged 2–6 with ataxic cerebral palsy improve muscle tone, balance, and gross motor skills.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 2 Years to 6 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 8, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 2026 |
| Study ends | May 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 30, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07291128 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 2–6 years with a diagnosis of ataxic cerebral palsy, gross motor function classification level 2, presence of ATNR reflex, and stable medical status for at least three months.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with severe neurological or orthopedic comorbidities, significant cognitive impairment, sensory deficits that affect balance, ongoing medications that alter muscle tone, or syndromic conditions (e.g., Down syndrome, hydrocephalus, epilepsy, autism) are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll 40 children with ataxic cerebral palsy and assign them to either VOJTA therapy or conventional physiotherapy. Both groups receive supervised treatment five days per week for eight weeks, with outcomes measured at baseline, mid-treatment (4 weeks), and after treatment (8 weeks). VOJTA therapy uses specific pressure zones and reflex locomotion to activate central motor programs and potentially improve postural alignment and coordinated muscle activation. Primary outcomes include measures of muscle tone, gross motor function, and postural control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, VOJTA therapy could improve muscle tone, balance, and coordination, helping affected children gain better mobility and daily functioning.
How similar studies have gone: VOJTA therapy has shown promising results in small studies and clinical reports for motor improvements in children with cerebral palsy, but high-quality randomized evidence—particularly for the ataxic subtype—is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Both male and female participants would be included Children diagnosed with ataxic cerebral palsy. Age range of participants will be 2 to 6 years old. Participants included will be at level 2 on gross motor function classification scale. Participants included will have ATNR reflex. Stable medical condition for the past three months with no hospitalizations. Exclusion Criteria: Presence of severe comorbidities i.e. neurological or orthopedic conditions. Patients having significant cognitive deficits Down syndrome, hydrocephalus, epilepsy, autism and medically ill children Children with visual or auditory deficits affecting postural control and balance assessment. Ongoing pharmacological treatment (e.g., muscle relaxants or antiepileptic) likely to influence muscle tone or motor function during the study period
Where it's running
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Department of Physical Therapy
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Fareeha Ijaz fareeha, Masters
- Email: Fareehaijaz2018@gmail.com
- Phone: +923201014615
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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.