Vojta therapy to improve walking and mobility in children with Down syndrome
Effects of Vojta Therapy on Functional Mobility and Gait Parameter in Children With Down Syndrome
This trial will test whether an eight-week program of Vojta therapy can improve walking and overall mobility in children aged 2–10 with Down syndrome.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 28 (estimated) |
| Ages | 2 Years to 10 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07248267 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized trial will enroll 28 children with Down syndrome who can stand and walk independently and randomly assign them to either an experimental group receiving Vojta therapy or a control group for eight weeks. Functional mobility will be measured with the GMFM-88 and gait will be measured using spatial parameters such as step length, stride length, stride width, toe-in/toe-out, and base of support, with assessments at baseline and immediately after intervention. The intervention consists of repetitive sensorimotor Vojta exercises delivered over the eight-week period, and data will be analyzed using SPSS v27. The trial is conducted at Riphah International University’s Hashim center in Lahore, Pakistan.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 2–10 with a confirmed diagnosis of Down syndrome who can stand and walk independently and whose parents provide informed consent are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children with severe cardiac or other major medical conditions, recent orthopedic surgery, additional neurological disorders, serious behavioral issues, or current physical therapy are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the therapy could improve step and stride length, walking stability, and daily mobility for young children with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Reflex locomotion (Vojta) has shown promising results in small studies in other pediatric motor disorders, but strong, specific evidence in children with Down syndrome is limited and this RCT is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 2-10 years old * Confirmed diagnosis of Down syndrome by pediatric neurologist. * Written informed consent obtained from parents or guardians. * Independent standing and walking abilities assessed by GMFM dimension D and E. * Functional hearing and vision, and understanding of instructions which were necessary for the measurement procedures * No other physical therapy or interventions within the past three months Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of other significant medical conditions (e.g., severe cardiac issues). * History of orthopedic surgery or significant musculoskeletal issues affecting mobility. * Any additional neurological disorders that could confound results. * Patient with Serious cognitive \& behavior issues that would interfere with group participation. * Participation in other clinical trials during the study period
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Hashim — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ayesha Tanveer, MS-PT — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: IMRAN AMJAD, PhD
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 9233224390125
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.