Cerebral palsy is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects movement, posture, and functional abilities in children. This randomized controlled trial focuses on comparing the effects of task-oriented circuit training and group circuit training on functional performance and functional capacity in children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Outcomes will be measured using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) and the Activities Scale for Kids-Capability version (ASK-C). The findings of this study may help identify effective rehabilitation strategies for improving functional outcomes in children with cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neurological disorder characterized by impairments in movement, posture, and functional abilities, significantly limiting a child's participation in daily activities. Children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy experience greater functional limitations, particularly in gross motor performance and functional capacity, necessitating effective and structured rehabilitation interventions. Task-oriented training and circuit training are commonly used therapeutic approaches in pediatric neurorehabilitation. Task-oriented training focuses on practicing meaningful, goal-directed functional tasks to enhance motor learning and functional performance whereas group circuit training emphasizes repetitive, structured exercises performed in a circuit format to improve strength, endurance, and motor skills. However, limited evidence exists comparing the effectiveness of these two approaches specifically in children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of task-oriented circuit training and group circuit training on functional performance and functional capacity in children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated into two intervention groups. One group will receive task-oriented circuit training combined with conventional physical therapy, while the other group will receive group circuit training along with conventional physical therapy. Functional performance will be assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), and functional capacity will be evaluated using the Activities Scale for Kids-Capability version (ASK-C). Assessments will be conducted at baseline (pre-intervention) and after completion of the intervention period (post-intervention). The results of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of task-oriented circuit training and group circuit training, thereby assisting clinicians in selecting appropriate rehabilitation strategies to improve functional outcomes in children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
36
Task-oriented circuit training will include goal directed functional tasks such as sit-to-stand activities, balance tasks, walking-related activities, and functional mobility tasks arranged in a circuit format. The intervention will focus on improving functional performance through repetitive practice of meaningful tasks.
Group circuit training will consist of structured exercise stations that focus on strength, balance, endurance, and gross motor activities, all performed in a group setting. Exercises will be performed in a circuit format under therapist supervision.
Functional Performance
Functional performance will be assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), which evaluates gross motor abilities across five dimensions (lying/rolling, sitting, crawling/kneeling, standing, walking/running). Ordinal scale 0-3 (0=does not initiate, 3=completes), resulting in a percentage score (0-100%) for each dimension and total score.
Time frame: From baseline to the end of treatment at 16 weeks
Functional Capacity
Functional capacity will be measured using the Activities Scale for Kids-Capability version (ASK-C), a validated questionnaire assessing a child's ability to perform daily activities. This scale consists of 30 items, each rated on a 5-point ordinal scale. 0= with no problem 1. with a little problem 2. with a moderate problem 3. with a big problem 4. I could not The final score ranges from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating better functional outcomes
Time frame: From baseline to the end of treatment at 16 weeks
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