Effect of Core Stability Training on Segmental Trunk Control and Quality of Life in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Effect of Core Stability Training on Segmental Trunk Control and Quality of Life in Children with Spastic Diplegia: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Status

Completed

Phases

Study type

Interventional

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT06822296

Enrollment

Registered

2025-02-12

Start date

2023-02-01

Completion date

2023-09-30

Last updated

2025-02-12

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

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy, Spastic Diplegia

Brief summary

Spastic diplegia is a common shape of cerebral palsy that significantly affects trunk control and quality of life in children. Core stability training (CST) has been utilized as a potential intervention to improve the trunk function. This study investigated the effects of CST on segmental trunk control and quality of life in children with spastic diplegia. Forty children with spastic diplegia (age: 3 - 6 years) were randomly assigned to either a control group (n=20) receiving a selected physical therapy program or an experimental group (n=20) receiving the same program plus a 30-minute CST program three times weekly for 12 weeks. Segmental trunk control was assessed using the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCO) scale, and quality of life was measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). Both outcome measures were evaluated pre- and post-intervention.

Interventions

OTHERPhysical Therapy

Exercises to improve function of children with CP

OTHERDesigned rehabilitation program

Program of exercises to enhance function

Study design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

PARALLEL

Primary purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE (Subject)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

3 Years to 6 Years

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion criteria

* 3-6 years * 1 to 1+ spasticity according to modified Ashworth scale * level II and III according to GMFCs * able to follow instructions and understand commands

Exclusion criteria

* significant visual or auditory problems * fixed deformities * Botox injection * orthopedic surgery

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control scale	Baseline and after 12 weeks of training	Higher scores mean a better outcome. Minimum Score: 0 (No control at any level) Maximum Score: 14 (Full control at all seven levels, each scoring 2)
Quality of Life Inventory Scale	Baseline and after 12 weeks of training	Higher scores mean a better outcome. Minimum Score: 0 (poorest quality of life) Maximum Score: 100 (best quality of life)

Countries

Egypt

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026