RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT04904094

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

Algorithms for Patient-specific Treatment Planning in Cerebral Palsy Based on the Muscle and Tendon Architecture - Homebased (6-week) Stretching Intervention in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Sponsor

Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven

Enrollment

30 participants

Start Date

Feb 1, 2020

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Spastic Cerebral Palsy

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.

Eligibility

Min Age: 4 YearsMax Age: 11 Years

Inclusion Criteria5

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 Criteria7

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)

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Interventions

OTHERCasting of the lower limb and homebased stretching exercise program.

Lower leg casting in combination with removable upper leg casts for approximately 2 weeks and stretching exercises during casting and 4 weeks after casting.