Spinal Mobility in Children With Cerebral Palsy: NDT-Bobath and Exergaming

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

NDT-Bobath Therapy: Standard NDT-Bobath neurodevelopmental therapy focusing on normalization of muscle tone in the pelvic and shoulder girdle, enhancement of central trunk stability including rotational control, and promotion of symmetrical posture and controlled movements according to NDT principles (facilitation, stimulation, communication). Dosage - 60-minute sessions, twice weekly, for 3 months.

Sitting Exergaming: Exergaming performed in a seated position using Kinect Therapy-Based Exergames. Participants sit on an adjustable chair with hips, knees, and ankles flexed at 90°. Exercises involve safe, non-impact, visually engaging three-dimensional trunk and limb movements, personalized to the child's functional level. Movements are synchronized with the MyoMotion system for monitoring. Dosage - 60-minute sessions, twice weekly, for 3 months (as part of combined therapy).

Standing Exergaming: Exergaming performed in a standing position using Kinect Therapy-Based Exergames, promoting weight-bearing and functional trunk and limb control. Exercises involve safe, visually engaging three-dimensional movements, personalized to the child's functional abilities. Movements are synchronized with the MyoMotion system for real-time monitoring. Dosage - 60-minute sessions, twice weekly, for 3 months (as part of combined therapy).

Study summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate changes in spinal mobility in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions in children with cerebral palsy aged 10-15 years. The study will compare outcomes between standard NDT-Bobath therapy supplemented with exergaming in a sitting position and exergaming in a standing position. Postural stability, body composition, and functional parameters will also be assessed.

Participants will complete a socio-medical questionnaire and undergo baseline measurements of spinal mobility, cervical range of motion, postural stability (using Podoscan and Zebris platform), body height, and body composition (using SECA stadiometer and Tanita bioimpedance analyzer).

The intervention will last 3 months and include twice-weekly 60-minute therapy sessions. Group I will receive NDT-Bobath therapy supplemented with exergaming in a sitting position, while Group II will receive NDT-Bobath therapy with exergaming in a standing position.

After the intervention, participants will undergo post-intervention measurements and a follow-up evaluation three months later to assess the persistence of any changes.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Cervical Spine Mobility — Baseline, post-intervention (3 months), follow-up (6 months)
  Change in active cervical spine range of motion in children with cerebral palsy aged 10-15 years, measured in sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes using the CROM device. Cervical flexion/extension, lateral flexion, and rotation are expressed in degrees.
• Thoracic Spine Mobility — Baseline, post-intervention (3 months), follow-up (6 months)
  Change in thoracic spine mobility measured as active range of motion and trunk rotation using the MyoMotion system. Measurements are expressed in degrees and reflect thoracic flexion/extension, lateral flexion, and rotational movements.
• Lumbar Spine Mobility — Baseline, post-intervention (3 months), follow-up (6 months)
  Change in lumbar spine mobility measured as active range of motion using the MyoMotion system. Lumbar flexion/extension, lateral flexion, and rotation are expressed in degrees.

Trial sites (2)

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