VOJTA technique for children with ataxic cerebral palsy
Effects of VOJTA Technique on Muscle Tone, Gross Motor Function and Balance on Ataxic Cerebral Palsy.
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 2 Years to 6 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07291128 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Department of Physical Therapy — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Fareeha Ijaz fareeha, Masters
- Email: Fareehaijaz2018@gmail.com
- Phone: +923201014615
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.