An observational study in Spastic Cerebral Palsy (sCP), sponsored by Sahmyook University. Not yet recruiting at 1 site in South Korea. Open to participants aged 4 Years to 12 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-08-20.
Sponsored by Sahmyook University · Observational
This observational cross-sectional study investigates the bilateral asymmetry of respiratory muscle activity during breathing in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Children with CP often exhibit structural deformities, which may lead to impaired chest mobility and asymmetric respiratory function. The primary objective is to objectively evaluate the imbalance in the activation of bilateral respiratory muscles (intercostal, external oblique, and sternocleidomastoid) using non-invasive surface electromyography (sEMG). Muscle activity will be measured during resting breathing and active breathing tasks. The findings aim to provide clinical evidence for developing selective respiratory muscle training programs for this population.
Children with spastic cerebral palsy frequently experience abnormal muscle tone and motor control issues, leading to structural deformities like scoliosis and pelvic asymmetry. These structural changes can restrict chest wall mobility and cause inefficient, asymmetrical breathing patterns. While ultrasound is often used to assess diaphragm function, it has limitations in evaluating functional respiratory pressure differences based on gross motor function levels and requires high cognitive cooperation. Therefore, this study utilizes surface electromyography (sEMG) to quantify the muscle activation (Root Mean Square, RMS) of respiratory and accessory muscles. The study involves children aged 4 to 12 years with spastic CP. Measurements are conducted in a seated position under two main conditions: 30 seconds of resting breathing and an active breathing task involving blowing a pinwheel or bubbles. An Asymmetry Index (AI) will be calculated to compare the degree of bilateral muscle activation imbalance across the different breathing conditions.
Children aged 4 to 12 years diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy who are receiving treatment at a local outpatient rehabilitation center (Easy Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea).
Exclusion Criteria:
Children aged 4 to 12 years with spastic cerebral palsy, GMFCS level I-II, and TRACE score of 4 or higher.
Diagnostic Test: Surface Electromyography (sEMG) assessment
Measuring the bilateral activation of respiratory muscles (intercostal, external oblique, and sternocleidomastoid) using sEMG under two conditions: 30 seconds of resting breathing and active breathing tasks (blowing a pinwheel or bubbles).
Root Mean Square (RMS) of Respiratory Muscle Activity
Muscle activation amplitude of the intercostal, external oblique, and sternocleidomastoid muscles measured using surface electromyography (sEMG). The raw sEMG signals are full-wave rectified and smoothed using a 50ms moving window to calculate the RMS values during resting and active breathing tasks.
Time frame: Up to 30 minutes (measured once during the single-day assessment session)
Asymmetry Index (AI) of Respiratory Muscle Activation
The asymmetry index will be calculated using the Root Mean Square (RMS) values obtained from surface electromyography (sEMG) . The formula used is (Right RMS - Left RMS) / (Right RMS + Left RMS) X 100 . The index evaluates the percentage of imbalance between the right and left respiratory muscles (intercostal, external oblique, and sternocleidomastoid) during resting breathing and active breathing tasks.
Time frame: Up to 30 minutes (measured once during the single-day assessment session)
Plan to share: Undecided — The decision to share individual participant data (IPD) has not yet been finalized. Future data sharing will depend on the specific requirements of the target journal where the study results will be submitted. If sharing becomes necessary, only fully de-identified data (e.g., sEMG measurements) will be provided upon reasonable request. Any data sharing will be strictly subject to additional review and approval by the Sahmyook University Institutional Review Board to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the pediatric participants with spastic cerebral palsy.
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This study is not yet recruiting, as verified in Aug 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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