Clinical Research Directory

Effect of SCS Technique on Oromotor Skills in Children With CP

This study evaluates the clinical efficacy of the Strain Counter-Strain (SCS) technique on improving oromotor functions in children with spastic cerebral palsy. The intervention specifically targets the masseter, SCM, upper trapezius, scalenes, and suprahyoid muscles to release myofascial tension. The study aims to determine if modulating muscle tone through SCS can provide a stable postural foundation to enhance functional oral motor skills. Outcomes are measured after 4 weeks (one month) of intervention, focusing on mouth opening range, drooling frequency and severity, and overall oral motor functions

Bimanual Training Versus Unilateral Task Specific Training in Children With Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is one of the most common childhood neurological disorders and often results in weakness, poor coordination, and stiffness (spasticity) in one side of the body in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. These difficulties can significantly affect a child's ability to perform daily activities such as dressing, eating, playing, and school-related tasks. Upper limb rehabilitation plays a crucial role in improving independence and quality of life in these children. Two commonly used rehabilitation approaches are bimanual training, which focuses on using both hands together during functional tasks, and unilateral task-specific training, which focuses intensively on improving the affected hand through repetitive, goal-directed activities. Although both approaches are widely practiced in pediatric neurorehabilitation, there is limited direct comparison of their effectiveness in reducing spasticity and improving functional independence among children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy, particularly in the local population of Pakistan. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of bimanual training versus unilateral task-specific training in children aged 5-12 years diagnosed with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. A total of 46 participants will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups. Both groups will receive therapy three times per week for eight weeks. Spasticity will be measured using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and functional independence will be assessed using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention period. The results of this study may help clinicians, caregivers, and rehabilitation centers determine which therapy approach is more effective in improving upper limb function and independence in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Participation in this study is voluntary, and children may withdraw at any time without affecting their standard care.

Cuevas Medek Exercises to Improve Postural Control and Balance in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

This study aims to evaluate the effects of Cuevas Medek Exercises on postural control and balance in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Children meeting the eligibility criteria will be randomly allocated into two groups receiving Cuevas Medek Exercises or conventional therapy. The outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention period to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.

Botulinum Neurotoxin for Children With CP: a Delicate Balance Between Clinical Benefits and Muscular Harm

A cross-sectional design study will be carried out to explore the morphological muscle properties and alterations in muscle composition on a macroscopic level in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Muscle composition will be assessed using quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (qMRI) and shear wave elastography (SWE), while macroscopic muscle size properties will be evaluated through 'Three-dimensional freehand ultrasound (3DfUS).

Virtual Reality Combined With Bobath Therapy for Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Spastic cerebral palsy is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by increased muscle tone, impaired balance, and limitations in motor function, particularly in the lower limbs. Conventional rehabilitation approaches such as the Bobath technique are widely used to improve posture control and movement patterns; however, patient engagement and task variability may be limited. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) combined with Bobath therapy on lower limb muscle activity, balance, and gross motor function in patients with spastic cerebral palsy. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either a VR plus Bobath intervention group or a conventional Bobath therapy group. The intervention will be delivered over a 6-week period, with sessions conducted five times per week. Outcome measures, including surface electromyography (sEMG), center of pressure (COP) parameters, and the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), will be assessed before and after the intervention. This study seeks to provide evidence on whether integrating VR into conventional rehabilitation can improve functional outcomes in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

Talocrural Mobilization With Movement in Spastic Cerebral Palsy

The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to find the effect of Mulligan's Mobilization with Movement of Talocrural joint in Cerebral Palsy Patients having spasticity on improving Ankle Range of Motion, improving balance and its effect on Gait speed.

The Effects of Oral Facial Facilitation and Oral Motor Therapy in Dysphagia

The objective of this research is to investigate the impact of oral facial facilitation and oral motor therapy dysphagia in individuals with spastic cerebral palsy. Specifically, the study aims to: * Evaluate changes in dysphagia and severity following a regimen of oral motor therapy and oral facial facilitation. * Assess improvements in swallowing function, including ease of swallowing and reduction in dysphagia symptoms, after implementing oral motor therapy and oral facial facilitation.

Rhythmic Stabilization Versus Ball Balancing

Spastic Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the leading cause of upper motor neuron syndrome (UMN) in children. The primary factors contributing to motor behavior disorders in these children are impairments in motor control and muscle strength. These impairments result in changes in muscle growth and hinder the development of motor skills, leading to reduced muscle force generation and decreased flexibility. Spastic cerebral palsy is the most prevalent type, affecting 77% of individuals with CP, and is caused by damage to the motor cortex and pyramidal tracts. The motor cortex is responsible for transmitting voluntary movement signals from the brain to the muscles. Characteristics of spastic cerebral palsy include stiff muscles (hypertonia), which can cause jerky and repetitive limb movements (spasticity). Additionally, individuals with CP often have difficulties in processing somatosensory and proprioceptive information. Proprioceptive training refers to interventions aimed at enhancing proprioceptive function to ultimately improve motor performance, a concept that has been explored in studies focused on sports injuries. In this study, we will utilize two proprioceptive exercises-rhythmic stabilization and ball balancing-to promote functional improvement in the upper extremities of children with spastic CP.