A pilot randomised controlled trial of the effect of balance training on walking confidence and balance in adults with cerebral palsy

In adults with cerebral palsy, what is the effect of a balance training program compared to a control intervention on walking confidence and balance?

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phases

Phase 2

Study type

Interventional

Source

ANZCTR

Registry ID

ACTRN12613000166774

Enrollment

Registered

2013-02-11

Start date

2013-03-15

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2020-01-13

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

Some adults with cerebral palsy have more difficulty with walking as they get older. Impaired balance and reduced balance confidence have been suggested to be contributing factors to this decline. This project will conduct a small randomised trial to examine the effect of a physiotherapy program of balance training on the walking self-confidence and balance of adults with cerebral palsy, compared to a different program of a variety of meditation, relaxation and lifestyle activities.

Interventions

Participants will attend a physiotherapy program in small groups of 3 participants, once weekly for a 1.5 hour session for an 8 week intervention period. Participants will also perform a structured home practice session. The intervention will focus on individualized balance training, including practice of anticipatory and reactive dynamic balance strategies, dynamic gait training and strengthening exercises.

Study design

Allocation

Randomised controlled trial

Intervention model

Parallel

Primary purpose

Treatment

Masking

Blinded (masking used) (Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Age

18 Years to No maximum

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion criteria

To be included, participants will need to have a (i) diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy (CP), (ii) aged over 18 years (iii) Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFCS) level I, II or III (i.e.; able to walk with mild difficulty or with an aid), (iv) able and willing to attend an 8 week therapy program, (v) medically permitted to participate in a balance and strengthening program.

Exclusion criteria

Gross Motor Function Classification Sysytem (GMFCS) level IV or V, medical conditions that preclude safe participation in exercise

Outcome results