The goal of this quasi-experimental single-arm trial is to evaluate whether a structured Frame Running training program can improve functional ability, participation, and quality of life in children and young people with physical disabilities. The study includes participants aged 8-18 years with cerebral palsy or other conditions causing physical disabilities. The aim of the study is to investigate changes in the primary outcome measure; functional ability using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory - Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT), and a series of secondary outcome measures on mobility capacity, physical endurance, performance of everyday activities, and health-related quality of life in children and young people with physical disabilities. Participants will complete a 24-week training program carried out in community athletics clubs: 12-week low-intensity control period with one supervised weekly Frame Running session focused on familiarization. 12-week moderate-to-high intensity intervention period with two weekly training sessions, including warm-up, technique training, endurance and speed intervals, and participation-focused activities. Data collection comprises four standardized questionnaires, four physical performance tests conducted at multiple time points, an electronic training diary, and Rating of Perceived Exertion-Pediatric Scale (RPE-P) obtained before and after selected endurance tests.
The full protocol detailing all study procedures and methodology is available under Study Documents.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
35
The intervention consists of supervised Frame Running sessions including warm-up, technical skills practice, endurance and speed intervals, and participation-focused activities delivered according to a standardized manual.
Odense University Hospital
Odense, Region Syddanmark, Denmark
RECRUITINGChange in Children's Functional Mobility Measured by the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory - Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) From Baseline to Week 12 and Week 24.
Functional mobility will be assessed using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) Mobility domain. The PEDI-CAT Mobility domain provides a scaled score ranging from 20 to 80, with higher scores indicating better functional mobility.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 12, and Week 24
Change in Endurance Measured by the 6-Minute Frame Running Test From Baseline to Week 12 and Week 24
Endurance will be assessed using the 6-Minute Frame Running Test, in which the child propels a frame runner for six minutes while aiming to cover the greatest possible distance. The outcome is the total distance covered in meters and reflects aerobic capacity and functional endurance during frame-based running. Higher distances indicate better endurance performance.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 12, and Week 24
Change in running speed measured by the 10-Meter Frame Running Sprint Test (Seconds) from Baseline to Week 12 and Week 24.
Running speed will be assessed using the 10-Meter Frame Running Sprint Test. In this test, the child covers a distance of 10 meters as quickly as possible from a stationary start using a frame runner. The outcome is sprint time measured in seconds and reflects speed, acceleration, and explosive mobility during frame-based running. Lower sprint times indicate better performance.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 12, and Week 24
Change in Functional Strength Measured by the 1-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test From Baseline to Week 12 and Week 24.
Functional strength will be assessed using the 1-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test, in which the child performs as many sit-to-stand repetitions as possible within one minute. The outcome is the total number of completed repetitions and reflects lower-limb strength, muscular endurance, and functional capacity relevant for daily activities. Higher scores indicate greater functional strength.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 12, and Week 24
Change in Walking Capacity Measured by the 1-Minute Walk Test From Baseline to Week 12 and Week 24
Walking capacity will be assessed using the 1-Minute Walk Test, which measures the distance a child can walk within one minute. The outcome is total walking distance measured in meters and provides an indicator of functional mobility, walking endurance, and walking pace. Greater distances indicate better walking capacity.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 12, and Week 24
Change in Functional Performance Measured by the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) Daily Activities, Social/Cognitive, and Responsibility Domains Scaled Scores from Baseline to Week 12 and Week 24
Functional performance will be assessed using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT). The Daily Activities, Social/Cognitive, and Responsibility domains evaluate a child's functional abilities in self-care and daily tasks, social interaction and cognitive functioning, and the degree of independence and responsibility for managing daily life tasks, respectively. Each domain is reported as a scaled score ranging from 20 to 80. Higher scores indicate better functional performance across all domains.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 12, and Week 24
Change in Health-Related Quality of Life Measured by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) From Baseline to Week 12 and Week 24.
Health-related quality of life will be assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), a validated pediatric patient-reported outcome measure covering physical, emotional, social, and school functioning. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better health-related quality of life.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 12, and Week 24
Change in Participation Diversity and Intensity Measured by the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment / Preferences for Activities of Children (CAPE-PAC) from Baseline To Week 12 and Week 24
Participation will be assessed using the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment/Preferences for Activities of Children (CAPE-PAC). The CAPE-PAC evaluates children's participation in everyday recreational, social, physical, and skill-based activities. Participation diversity is measured as the number of different activities performed, with scores ranging from 0 to 55. Participation intensity reflects how frequently activities are performed and is scored on a scale from 1 to 7, with higher scores indicating more frequent participation. Higher scores indicate greater participation diversity and intensity.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 12, and Week 24
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