An interventional study of Pilates Exercise Training and Swiss Ball Exercise Training in Diplegic Cerebral Palsy, sponsored by Riphah International University. Completed at 1 site in Pakistan. Open to participants aged 7 Years to 14 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-10-02.
Sponsored by Riphah International University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This study will compare the effects of pilates exercise and swiss ball training on trunk control, balance and gait in children with diplegic cerebral palsy. This study will be a randomized clinical trial including 62 participants, who will be allocated into two groups. Both groups will receive their respective interventions thrice a week for 12 weeks. The participants will be evaluated at the start and end of the exercise program through The Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS), Pediatric Berg Balance measurement (PBBM), Pediatric Reach Test (PRT) and Observational Gait Scale (OGS) will be used to assess the effect of this intervention on trunk control, balance and gait.
A non-progressive neurodevelopmental condition, cerebral palsy (CP) is characterized by abnormal brain development or damage that impairs posture and mobility. It is one of the most common motor disabilities that children experience and its frequency varies from 1.5 to more than 4 per 1000 live births worldwide. The most detrimental gross motor functions (GMFs) that impair independence in CP patients include balance, trunk control, and changes in gait. A training method called Pilates Core Strengthening (PsCS) aims to improve muscular strength, flexibility, and endurance while preserving the integrity of the spine. Children with cerebral palsy benefit more from Pilates exercises when it comes to developing their gross motor skills and balance. Therefore, it may be utilized as a rehabilitation method for cerebral palsy children with high functional levels and modest motor abnormalities, particularly if the objective is to enhance postural posture and muscular strength when standing. The Swiss ball facilitates trunk muscle activity, which promotes healthy trunk muscular movement. Many physiotherapists use a special therapy tool, such as a Swiss ball, to help patients with their trunk stability and balance. This method increases functional stability, strengthens the core muscles, and boosts motor coordination. Research indicates that training with Swiss balls improves balance and trunk control. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of both interventions to provide valuable insights into the most effective one for enhancing the quality of life and functional abilities for patients with cerebral palsy
1,853 studies on the registry are indexed under Cerebral Palsy; 435 are open to participants now.
This study's enrollment of 62 is above the median of 33 across 1,368 interventional studies indexed under Cerebral Palsy.
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Aged between 7 and 14 years old both male and female
Exclusion Criteria:
Patients with fixed contracture.
Pilates Exercise Training Group Participants will receive pilates exercise training over 12 weeks, with increasing sets and repetitions. Each session will begin with a 5-minute warm-up and end with a 5-minute cooldown. Outcome will be assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks.
Other: Pilates Exercise Training
Swiss Ball Exercise Group Participants will receive swiss ball exercises for 12 weeks, with increasing sets and repetitions. After this, go to Interventions and add Pilates Exercise and Swiss Ball Training, then assign each intervention to its matching arm.
Other: Swiss Ball Exercise Training
Pilates Exercise Training Pilates Exercise Training Group Participants in this arm will receive prone bridge, shoulder bridge, unilateral shoulder bridge, side bridge, hundreds, leg pull supine, mermaid side stretch, and side laying clam. These exercises will be progressed over 12 weeks, with increasing sets and repetitions. Each session will begin with a 5-minute warm-up and end with a 5-minute cooldown. Treatment will be supervised by a physiotherapist, and outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks
Also known as: PSCS, Pilates Core Strengthening Exercise
Swiss Ball Exercise Participants in this arm will receive seated positioning, diagonal movement, trunk rotation, hip flexion and extension, lifting buttocks, weight shifting, prone arm extension, and rolling to sit. These exercises will also be progressed over 12 weeks, with increasing sets and repetitions. Modifications and considerations will be made to ensure the child's safety and individual needs. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks.
Also known as: GYM Ball exercises
Trunk Control
Assessed using the Trunk Control Measurement Scale
Time frame: [Time Frame: Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention]
Balance
Assessed using the Pediatric Reach Test
Time frame: [Time Frame: Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention]
Gait
Assessed using the Observational Gait Scale
Time frame: [Time Frame: Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention]
Plan to share: No — The individual participant data sharing plan has not yet been finalized.
No publications or documents are linked to this record.
From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
This study is completed, as verified in Sep 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Riphah International University