Neural Mobilization and Cerebral Palsy

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF SEVILLE · Jul 1, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how a special treatment called neural mobilization can help children with Cerebral Palsy, a condition that affects movement and muscle control. The researchers want to see if this type of therapy, which focuses on gently moving the nerves in the lower limbs, is more effective than traditional physical therapy, which usually involves stretching and basic movements. They will look at how this treatment affects not just the physical movement of the hips, knees, and ankles, but also how it might improve overall function and participation in daily activities.

To be eligible for this trial, children aged 5 to 18 years with a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy and some muscle stiffness in their legs can participate. They need to be able to walk, with or without help, and be able to express any pain they feel. During the study, participants will be randomly assigned to either the neural mobilization group or the control group, which will receive standard physical therapy. The researchers will measure things like how well the children can move their joints and their overall motor skills. This study aims to find new ways to support children with Cerebral Palsy in improving their movement and quality of life.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Children and adolescents diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy or presence of spasticity and aged between 5 and 18 years.
• • Level I to V in the Gross Motor Function Classification System, which denotes that the participant should be able to walk with or without using assistive devices.
• • Increased muscle tone in the lower extremities, represented by a score greater than 0 on the Tardieu clinical scale and a positive response in the Duncan Ely test.
• • Ability to communicate pain.
• • Ability to follow simple commands.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Have ankle joint arthrodesis or any surgical operation that prevents joint mobilization of the lower limb to some degree.
• • Any significant change in medication treatment during the study period that may influence (increase or decrease) muscle tone.
• • Experience uncontrolled epileptic seizures despite medication.
• • Have received botulinum toxin treatment in the lower limb within the 6 months prior to the study.
• • Undergo a different physical therapy treatment parallel to that developed in the study.