Vibration Effects on Gait and Balance in CP
The Acute Effects of Local Vibration Application to the Gastrocnemius Muscle on Gait and Balance in Individuals With Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy
Kırıkkale University
40 participants
Jun 29, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the acute effects of local vibration applied to the spastic medial gastrocnemius muscle on balance and spatiotemporal gait parameters in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Children aged 4 to 18 years with spasticity levels of 1 to 2 on the Modified Ashworth Scale and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-II will be included. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a treatment group receiving local vibration or a placebo group. Assessments will be conducted before, immediately after, and 30 minutes after the intervention. Balance will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Pediatric Reach Test, Tandem Stance Test, and Pediatric Berg Balance Scale. Spatiotemporal gait parameters will be measured using a digital gait analysis system. The results will provide insights into the immediate effectiveness of localized vibration therapy in pediatric cerebral palsy rehabilitation.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria8
- Diagnosis of cerebral palsy, classified as GMFCS Level I or II
- Aged between 4 and 18 years
- Presence of spasticity in the gastrocnemius muscle (Modified Ashworth Scale score of 1, 1+, or 2)
- Able to walk independently
- Ability to follow verbal instructions
- No botulinum toxin injection in the past 3 months
- No lower limb surgery in the past 6 months
- Voluntary participation with written and verbal informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians
Exclusion Criteria6
- Botulinum toxin injection or surgical intervention for spasticity within the past 6 months
- Neurological disorders other than cerebral palsy
- Musculoskeletal problems that may affect standing or walking (e.g., joint pain, lower extremity fractures within the past 6 months)
- Severe cognitive impairment preventing understanding of basic commands
- Behavioral problems or poor cooperation that interfere with assessments
- Lack of written informed consent from parents or legal guardians
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Interventions
Local vibration (LV) will be applied using the Vibrasens© device (Techno Concept, Mane, France). Vibrasens© is a non-invasive therapeutic mechanical vibrator used for transcutaneous vibratory stimulation in sensorimotor rehabilitation. The system includes one pilot unit, one manual vibrator (VB200), four flat skin contactors for tendon applications, four round skin contactors for surface applications, a power supply, a user manual, and a protocol guide.
Participants will receive sham stimulation by placing the Vibrasens© device on the same area as the treatment group for 10 minutes, without activating the vibration function. They will be informed that they will only feel the contact of the device.
Locations(2)
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NCT07045519