Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Task-Oriented Training on Upper Extremit… (NCT07694804) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Task-Oriented Training on Upper Extremity Function in Children With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy
Pakistan63 participantsStarted 2026-02-17
Plain-language summary
Children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy often experience upper extremity impairments, including reduced coordination, muscle control, and functional hand use, which limit independence in daily activities. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and Task-Oriented Training (TOT) are commonly used rehabilitation approaches to improve motor function; however, evidence comparing their individual and combined effects on upper extremity function remains limited.
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of PNF alone, TOT alone, and a combined PNF plus TOT intervention on upper extremity function in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Sixty-three children aged 6 to 12 years with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to III will be randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups. Each group will receive supervised 45-minute treatment sessions, three times per week for six weeks.
Upper extremity function, functional independence, and joint range of motion will be assessed at baseline, mid-intervention (3 weeks), and post-intervention (6 weeks) using the Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function (MA2), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Functional Skills Scale (PEDI-FSS), and goniometric measurements. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the most effective rehabilitation approach for improving upper extremity function in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.
Who can participate
Age range
6 Years – 12 Years
Sex
ALL
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:
* Children aged 6 to 12 years.
* Clinical diagnosis of spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.
* Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Levels I-III.
* Ability to understand and follow simple verbal instructions.
* Medically stable and able to participate in physiotherapy sessions.
* Parent or legal guardian willing to provide written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Orthopedic surgery involving the upper or lower extremities within the previous 6 months.
* Botulinum toxin injections administered within the previous 6 months.
* Severe visual, hearing, or cognitive impairments that would interfere with assessment or treatment.
* Uncontrolled epilepsy or other unstable neurological or medical conditions.
* Fixed upper extremity contractures or musculoskeletal deformities preventing participation in the intervention.
* Participation in another structured upper extremity rehabilitation program during the study period.
* Failure to obtain informed consent from a parent or legal guardian.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Upper Extremity Function
Timeframe: Baseline, Week 3, and Week 6
2
Functional Independence in Activities of Daily Living