"This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of adding Myofascial Release (MFR) technique to a conventional physiotherapy program for children with cerebral palsy after Achilles tendon surgery. The primary goal is to determine whether MFR can improve functional outcomes such as gross motor function and ankle range of motion, compared to physiotherapy alone. The study will be conducted in Gaza, Palestine, with children diagnosed with cerebral palsy who recently underwent Achilles tendon surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either conventional physiotherapy or conventional physiotherapy combined with MFR, and outcomes will be assessed before and after an 8-week intervention program."
"Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often develop musculoskeletal complications, including Achilles tendon contractures, which may require surgical intervention. Despite surgery, many children continue to experience limitations in functional mobility and reduced range of motion. Conventional physiotherapy programs are commonly provided postoperatively to enhance recovery; however, additional manual therapy techniques such as Myofascial Release (MFR) may further improve outcomes. This randomized controlled trial investigates the effectiveness of adding MFR to conventional physiotherapy for children with CP after Achilles tendon surgery in Gaza. Participants will be randomly allocated to either a control group (conventional physiotherapy only) or an intervention group (conventional physiotherapy plus MFR). Functional outcomes, including gross motor function (GMFM-88) and ankle range of motion, will be measured pre- and post-intervention. It is hypothesized that children receiving MFR in addition to conventional physiotherapy will demonstrate greater improvements in functional mobility and ankle range of motion compared to those receiving physiotherapy alone."
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
40
A standard physiotherapy program provided after Achilles tendon surgery, including stretching, strengthening, mobility, and functional training exercises
A manual therapy technique applied to the lower limb and ankle region, aiming to release fascial restrictions, improve soft tissue flexibility, and enhance ankle range of motion.
The Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre - Al-Ahli Al-Arabi Hospital, Gaza
Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories
Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88)
Change in gross motor function measured using the GMFM-88 scale. The scale assesses motor function in children with cerebral palsy across five dimensions: lying \& rolling, sitting, crawling \& kneeling, standing, and walking/running/jumping. Higher scores indicate better motor function.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS)
Change in balance performance measured using the Pediatric Balance Scale, which consists of 14 functional balance tasks. Higher scores indicate better balance ability.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Ankle Range of Motion (ROM)
Passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion measured using a goniometer. Improved ROM indicates increased flexibility and joint mobility.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.