CClinicalTrials.gg
CompletedNCT06757101Updated Jan 3, 2025

Comparison of the Effects of Vojta and Bobath Treatment on Gait and Balance in Diplegic Cerebral Palsy

An interventional study of Vojta Therapy and Bobath Therapy in Cerebral Palsy Spastic Diplegia, sponsored by Riphah International University. Completed at 1 site in Pakistan. Open to participants aged 3 Years to 8 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-01-03.

Sponsored by Riphah International University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
72
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
3 Years to 8 Years
Sex
All
01

Study summary

This study aims compare the effects of Vojta verses Bobath therapy on gait in children with diplegic cerebral palsy and to compare the effects of Vojta versus Bobath therapy on balance in children with diplegic cerebral palsy. The study will also determine the combined effects of Vojta and Bobath on gait and balance in children with diplegic cerebral palsy.

Read the detailed description

The study may provide non-invasive and cost-effective treatment option in improving balance \& gait in children with cerebral palsy. This can increase the child independence, confidence and quality of life. Additionally, this study may contribute to the development of evidence-based rehabilitation protocols, which can help guide clinical decision-making and treatment options. The study may provide insight into the feasibility and safety of combining Vojta and Bobath treatments, which can guide future research and practice in this area. Moreover, combination of treatments may have better outcomes as compared to the two individual techniques. The study aims compare the effects of Vojta verses Bobath therapy on gait in children with diplegic cerebral palsy and to compare the effects of Vojta versus Bobath therapy on balance in children with diplegic cerebral palsy. The study will also determine the combined effects of Vojta and Bobath on gait and balance in children with diplegic cerebral palsy.

02

Conditions studied

  • Cerebral Palsy Spastic Diplegia

Keywords

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Bobath Therapy
  • Vojta Therapy
  • balance
  • gait
03

In context

Paralysis

750 studies on the registry are indexed under Paralysis; 133 are open to participants now.

This study's enrollment of 72 is above the median of 30 across 537 interventional studies indexed under Paralysis.

Browse Paralysis studies →

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University is the lead sponsor of 2,133 studies on the registry; 633 are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
3 Years to 8 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

  • Diagnosed cases of spastic diplegic cerebral palsy
  • GMFCS level II \& III
  • Modified Ashworth score greater than 1+
  • Age 3-8 Years
  • Either gender
  • Children capable of understanding and executing commands;
  • Children who can adopt the orthostatic position necessary to assess balance \& gait

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Children with any other associated disease (DDH, any orthopedic complication)
  • Children with mental retardation;
  • Who cannot participate constantly in physical therapy sessions;
  • Profound visual or hearing impairments;
05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Factorial assignment
Masking
Double (Participant, Outcomes assessor)
Enrollment
72 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Vojta Therapy group

    Vojta Therapy group for gait \& balance

    Other: Vojta Therapy

  • Experimental
    Bobath Therapy group

    Bobath Therapy group for gait \& balance

    Other: Bobath Therapy

  • Experimental
    Combined Vojta and Bobath therapy

    Combined Vojta and Bobath therapy for gait \& balance

    Other: Combined Vojta and Bobath Therapy

Interventions

  • OtherVojta Therapy

    Exercises will be performed in supine, lateral, decubitus and reflex crawling. Exercises will include Stretching's, ROMs Exercises, Stimulation of 10 different zones for locomotion \& gentle pressure applied to stimulation areas. Frequency of exercises will be 2 times a week, duration 40 minutes per day.

  • OtherBobath Therapy

    Exercises will be performed in supine, lateral, prone and standing position. Exercises includes stretching Exercises, ROMs, Quadruped imbalance exercise, Imbalance from the kneeling exercise, Cervant Knight exercise, Tandem walk, Kicking a ball, Step climbing, marching at one place with alternate foot Frequency of exercises will be 2 times a week, duration 40 minutes per day.

  • OtherCombined Vojta and Bobath Therapy

    Combined Vojta and Bobath exercises along with the conventional treatment. Frequency of exercises will be 2 times a week, duration 40 minutes per day.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS)

    The Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) is the assessment tool to measure motor function in children with cerebral palsy. GMFCS is a five-level classification that differentiates children with Level I:Walks independently, Level II: Walks with limitations, Level III: Walks with hand- held mobility, Level IV: Self mobility with limitations, may use powered mobility \&amp; Level V: Transported in a manual wheelchair. The inter-rater reliability of GMFCS have a moderate agreement with a kappa (k) of 0.55 in children \<2 years of age and excellent agreement with a kappa of 0.75 in children 2-12 years of age. This strong inter-rater reliability supports the use of the GMFCS as a classification of gross motor function in children ages 2-12 years.

    Time frame: 8 weeks

  2. Goniometer

    The Goniometer measures the angle created at a joint by the adjacent bones of the body. Goniometer measurement represent the actual joint range of motion. There are multiple types of goniometer but universal goniometer is widely used in physiotherapy settings.

    Time frame: 8 weeks

  3. Paediatric Berg Balance Scale

    The Paediatric Berg Balance Scale is used to assess functional balance skills in school-aged children. The scale consists of 14 items that scored from 0 points (lowest function) to 4 (highest function) with a maximum score of 56 points. Concurrent validity between Pediatric Balance Scale and GMFM at baseline (r=0.095), follow-up (r=0.44-0.87). Predictive validity of Pediatric validity and GMFM at follow-up (r=0.90-0.92) The test retest reliability is extremely high \[(ICC3, 1=0.9987)\].

    Time frame: 8 weeks

  4. Step Length

    Step length is typically measured in centimeters (cm) or inches. Step length is used in clinical settings to assess gait abnormalities and has implications for rehabilitation. Adequate step length contributes to effective ambulation and helps maintain stability and momentum during walking.

    Time frame: 8 weeks

  5. Stride Length

    Stride length is a key parameter in gait analysis that refers to the distance covered in one complete cycle of walking or running, specifically the distance between the initial contact point of one foot and the initial contact point of the same foot on the next step. Stride length is typically measured in units such as centimeters (cm) or inches. Stride length is critical in clinical assessments for identifying gait abnormalities.

    Time frame: 8 weeks

  6. Cadence

    Cadence refers to the number of steps a person takes per unit of time, typically expressed as steps per minute (spm). It is a critical metric in gait analysis, providing insights into walking or running patterns and overall locomotion efficiency. A normal cadence (generally between 100 to 130 steps per minute for walking) is important for maintaining stability and rhythm during locomotion. Abnormal cadence can lead to increased fall risk and affect overall mobility.

    Time frame: 8 weeks

  7. Walking Base

    Walking base, also known as base of support or stance width, refers to the distance between the feet when a person is walking. Specifically, it is the lateral distance between the heel centers of both feet during the walking cycle. A wider walking base indicates that the feet are positioned farther apart, while a narrower walking base means they are closer together. Walking base is typically measured in centimeters (cm).Walking base is a significant parameter in the assessment of gait and balance, providing insights into an individual's stability and mobility.

    Time frame: 8 weeks

07

Study locations

1 site
  • Child Development Center
    Rawalpindi, Punjab 46060, Pakistan
08

References and documents

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

No publications or documents are linked to this record.

09

Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Jan 3, 2025, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT06757101
Lead sponsor
Riphah International University
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Jan 3, 2025
Start date
Aug 25, 2023
Primary completion
Feb 25, 2024
Completion
Feb 25, 2024
Last update
Jan 3, 2025

Study contacts

Abrish Habib Abbasi, MS-NMPT
principal investigator · Riphah International University

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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This study is completed, as verified in Jan 2025. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

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