Effect of Blood Flow Restriction Training Exercises on Hand Grip Strength in Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsied Children

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT07347795

Cairo University40 enrolled

Overview

The study aims to investigate the effect of blood flow restriction (BFR) training exercises on the hand grip strength of children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Hand grip strength is a vital component of motor function and is often severely compromised in children with hemiparetic CP, which can significantly impact their daily activities and quality of life. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is a novel exercise technique where a cuff or band is used to partially occlude blood flow during low-intensity resistance exercises. This method has been shown to stimulate muscle growth and strength gains similar to those achieved through high-intensity strength training, without the need for high loads. Given the unique physiological challenges faced by children with hemiparetic CP, BFR training could provide an effective alternative to traditional strength training methods.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy Spastic Hemiplegic

Interventions

The BFR group underwent BFR training for 8 weeks, with sessions held three times per week. A tourniquet-style cuff is placed on the upper arm to restrict blood flow during exercise. The exercises involved are low-intensity grip strengthening activities (e.g., squeezing a rubber ball, gripping a hand dynamometer) at 20% of their one-repetition maximum (1RM). The cuff pressure is set at 50-70% of the participants' limb occlusion pressure, as determined by an initial assessment.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 6 YearsMax age: 12 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: Age will range from 6-12 years * Diagnosed with hemiparetic cerebral palsy (right or left side). * According to Modified Ashwer scale, has grade 1 or 1+ grade * Children with the ability to understand and follow verbal commands and instructions used during training and tests Exclusion Criteria: * Any contraindications to exercise, such as moderate or severe spasticity, orthopedic deformities, or other serious health conditions.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Hand grip strength measured using a handheld dynamometer

Hand grip strength of the affected hand will be assessed using a calibrated handheld dynamometer. The maximum voluntary grip force will be recorded in kilograms (kg). Three trials will be performed, and the highest value will be used for analysis.

Time frame: 8 weeks

muscle thickness at the midpoint of the forearm flexor muscles