Telehealth-Supervised Resistance Training for Children With Cerebral Palsy

Launched by HUNAN NORMAL UNIVERSITY · Jul 2, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a 12-week exercise program, guided through live video sessions, is a good and helpful way to support children with cerebral palsy (CP) who can walk with some assistance. The program focuses on resistance training, which means using tools like elastic bands, small weights, and balance equipment to help strengthen muscles and improve movement. The goal is to see if this type of remote training is practical and enjoyable for both children and their caregivers, and whether it can help improve the child’s physical abilities and overall quality of life.

Children between 6 and 15 years old with CP who use assistive devices like wheelchairs or walkers for daily activities may be eligible to join, as long as they are medically stable, can sit upright for at least 30 minutes, and can follow simple instructions. Participants will take part in three live, 40-minute exercise sessions each week from home for 12 weeks. Before and after the program, they will complete simple tests to measure walking, standing, and balance abilities, as well as answer questions about their quality of life. Caregivers will also provide feedback on how acceptable and affordable the program is. This study has not started recruiting yet but aims to find new ways to help children with CP stay active and improve their well-being using telehealth.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • No history of heart disease or family history of heart disease;
• • Children classified as GMFCS levels I, II, or III;
• • Dependent on assistive mobility devices, such as wheelchairs or posture support walkers, for activities of daily living;
• • Medically stable and able to sit upright for at least 30 minutes;
• • Able to understand simple verbal or visual instructions.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Aged under 6 years or over 15 years;
• • Received botulinum toxin A injections for lower limb muscles within six months prior to baseline assessment;
• • Implanted with an intrathecal baclofen pump, or has a history of lower limb-related orthopedic or neurosurgical interventions (such as tendon lengthening, osteotomy, or selective dorsal rhizotomy);
• • Has uncontrolled epilepsy, severe cognitive impairment, or other comorbidities.