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Forward Versus Backward Gait Training on Functional Abilities in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Forward Versus Backward Gait Training on Functional Abilities in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07251751
Enrollment
60
Registered
2025-11-26
Start date
2025-11-01
Completion date
2026-03-01
Last updated
2026-03-19

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

Conditions

Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Keywords

Gait Training

Brief summary

This study aims to compare the effects of forward versus backward gait training on functional abilities in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Participants will receive gait training sessions focusing on either forward or backward walking to evaluate improvements in balance, mobility, and gross motor function.

Detailed description

\> Cerebral palsy is a common neurological disorder in children that affects movement and posture. Spastic cerebral palsy is characterized by muscle stiffness and impaired motor control, which limits the child's functional mobility. Gait training is an essential part of rehabilitation programs for children with cerebral palsy. Previous studies have shown that both forward and backward walking can improve motor performance, but limited evidence exists comparing the two methods directly. The present randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effects of forward gait training versus backward gait training on functional abilities in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Participants will be randomly assigned into three groups: group (A) will receive a designed physical therapy program. group (B) will receive the same program with forward gait training on treadmill. group (C) will receive the same designed physical therapy program beside backward gait training on treadmill three times weekly over three successive months. Outcome measures will include muscle strength of measurements, range of motion of lower limb,gait pattern changes and gross motor function measurements.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALcontrol group ( designed physical therapy program)

Participants receive traditional physical therapy exercises focusing on stretching, strengthening, and balance training for the same duration as the experimental groups.

The training program consists of forward walking exercises conducted three times per week for three successive months under the supervision of a physical therapist.

The training program consists of backward walking exercises conducted three times per week for three successive months under the supervision of a physical therapist.

Sponsors

Cairo University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
6 Years to 9 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1-All children will be spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. 2- Age will be ranged from 6-9 years old. 3. They will have spasticity grade 1 to 1+ according to Modified Ashwarth's Scale (Appendix II). 4\. Both genders will be included. 5. Their gross motor function ability will be selected at level I, II according to Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). 6\. They will be able to understand and follow verbal commands included in evaluation and training.

Exclusion criteria

1- Any surgical intervention in upper or lower limbs. 2¬- Any type of fracture. 3- Visual and/or auditory defects. 4- Other neurological conditions rather than CP. 5- Significant tightness or fixed deformity of lower limbs and spine. 6- Congenital heart disease.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) scoreBaseline and after three months of interventionThe GMFM-88 will be used to assess changes in gross motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy before and after the intervention. Higher scores indicate better motor performance.

Countries

Egypt

Contacts

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORRamy A Khidr, PhD

El shohadaa Central Hospital

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 20, 2026