CompletedNot Applicable

Homebased (6-week) Stretching Intervention in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Belgium30 participantsStarted 2020-02-01

Plain-language summary

This study will investigate the effect of a 6-week stretching intervention, consisting of a combination of a 2-week casting period and a home-based stretching program of the plantar flexors and hamstrings, on muscle and tendon lengths, range of motion, stiffness, and functional muscle strength. The study will include patients with spastic cerebral palsy aged between 4 and 11 years old with a Gross Motor Function Classification Score (GMFCS) level between I and III.

Who can participate

Age range4 Years – 11 Years

SexALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Confirmed diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy * Aged 4-12 years * GMFCS levels I-III (GMFCS = Gross Motor Function Classification Score, expressing the overall functional level of impairment) * Sufficient cooperation to comprehend and complete the test procedure * Indication for casting of the lower limb Exclusion Criteria: * Non-ambulatory * Botulinum toxin A injections six months prior to enrollment * Lower limb surgery two years prior to enrollment * Selective dorsal rhizotomy as treatment history * Presence of ataxia or dystonia * Cognitive problems that impede measurements * Severe co-morbidities (severe epilepsy, non-correctable visual impairment, autism spectrum disorders, mental problems that prevent comprehensiveness of the tasks)

What they're measuring

Change in muscle belly and tendon length of the medial gastrocnemius and semitendinosus

Timeframe: Between baseline, casting removal (2 to 4 weeks after baseline) and 6 to 8 weeks after baseline.

Change of range of motion of the ankle and knee joint

Timeframe: Between baseline, casting removal (2 to 4 weeks after baseline) and 6 to 8 weeks after baseline.

Change of range of motion of the ankle and knee joint

Timeframe: Between baseline, casting removal (2 to 4 weeks after baseline) and 6 to 8 weeks after baseline.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04904094

SponsorUniversitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-04-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Spastic Cerebral Palsy trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range4 Years – 11 Years

SexALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Change in muscle belly and tendon length of the medial gastrocnemius and semitendinosus

Timeframe: Between baseline, casting removal (2 to 4 weeks after baseline) and 6 to 8 weeks after baseline.

Change of range of motion of the ankle and knee joint

Timeframe: Between baseline, casting removal (2 to 4 weeks after baseline) and 6 to 8 weeks after baseline.

Change of range of motion of the ankle and knee joint

Timeframe: Between baseline, casting removal (2 to 4 weeks after baseline) and 6 to 8 weeks after baseline.