An interventional study of Pilates-based Core Strengthening Exercises and Plyometric-based Muscle Loading Exercises in Cerebral Palsy, sponsored by Cairo University. Completed at 1 site in Saudi Arabia. Open to participants aged 12 Years to 18 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2022-06-23.
Sponsored by Cairo University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This study was conducted to compare the effect of Pilates-based core strengthening (PsCS) and plyometric-based muscle loading (PlyoML) and their combination on postural control, balance, and mobility in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (ULCP). Eighty-one children with ULCP were randomly allocated to the PsCS (n = 27), PlyoML (n = 27), or combined intervention (n = 27) group. Participants in the three groups were assessed for postural control, balance, and mobility on the pre and post-treatment occasions.
Eighty-one children with ULCP were recruited from the Physical Therapy Outpatient Clinic of College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, King Khalid Hospital, and a tertiary referral hospital, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia. Their age ranged between 12 and 18 years, were functioning at levels I or II according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System, and had spasticity levels 1 or 1+ per the Modified Ashworth Scale. Children were excluded if they had fixed deformities, underwent neuromuscular or orthopedic surgery in the last 12 months, submitted to BOTOX injection in the past 6 months, had attentional neglect, and if they had cardiopulmonary problems preventing them from performing high-intense exercise training.
Outcome measures
Interventions
All groups were trained for 45 minutes, twice per week, for 12 successive weeks. The PsCS group performed eight Pilates exercises geared predominantly toward the core muscles. The PlyoML group performed 10 plyometric exercises primarily focused predominantly on the lower body. The combined group combined the same exercises as the PsCS and PlyoML groups, although with half the number of sets/repetitions.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Participants in this group performed eight PsCS exercises geared predominantly to the core muscles.
Other: Pilates-based Core Strengthening Exercises
Participants in this group performed 10 PlyoML exercises primarily focused on the lower body.
Other: Plyometric-based Muscle Loading Exercises
Participants in this group performed the same exercises as the PsCS and PlyoML groups, although with half the number of sets/repetitions.
Other: Combined Pilates and Plyometrics
The PsCS group performed eight Pilates exercises over 45 minutes, three times per week for 12 successive weeks. The training was conducted under the supervision of a physical therapist who had more than 5 years of experience in Pilates.
The PlyoML group performed 10 plyometric exercises over 45 minutes, three times per week for 12 successive weeks. The training was conducted under the close supervision of a licensed pediatric physical therapist. The safety and performance guidelines, defined by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US National Strength and Conditioning Association, were considered during training.
The combined training group performed the same exercises as the PsCS and PlyoML groups, although with half the number of sets/repetitions over 45 minutes, three times per week for 12 successive weeks. The PsCS and PlyoML were executed within the same session, with a 10-to-15-minute rest interval. The training was conducted under the close supervision of a licensed pediatric physical therapist. The safety and performance guidelines, defined by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US National Strength and Conditioning Association, were considered during training.
Limit of postural stability
The capacity to control and move the center of gravity in various directions across their base of support was assessed utilizing the Biodex balance system. Values are expressed as accuracy % and higher scores mean better balance capability.
Time frame: 2 months
Community Balance and Mobility Scale
Community Balance and Mobility Scale is a performance-based measure assessing high-level balance capabilities while also addressing the speed and coordination components necessary for the ordinary community function. The scale consists of 13 items. Item scores range from zero (complete inability of task execution) to five (the most successful task completion), and the maximum possible score is 96. A higher score indicates better performance.
Time frame: 2 months
Functional Walking Test
The Functional Walking Test is a valid and reliable measure for assessing functional waking capacity in ambulant children with cerebral palsy. The test consists of 11 items including kneel walking, transitions to standing, incline walking, ascending/descending stairs, and walking a narrow beam, all of which focus on the postural control and balance components of walking. The maximum score is 23 and higher scores indicate better walking capacity
Time frame: 2 months
Timed Up and Down Stair test
The Timed Up and Down Stairs test measures the time (in seconds) that the children take to go up a 14-step stair flight (each step was 20 cm in height), turn around, and come back down. Shorter time indicates better performance.
Time frame: 2 months
This study is completed, as verified in Jun 2022. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Cairo University