Cerebral PalsyNCT06983782
A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial of an Online Exercise Programme for Adults With Cerebral Palsy
A study testing Exercise and education programme in people with Cerebral Palsy and Exercise, run by Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland at 1 site in Ireland.
Trial summary
Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) often face challenges in accessing exercise programmes that are appropriate for their needs. Barriers such as limited mobility, a lack of tailored options, and restricted access to physiotherapy services can make participation difficult. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Cerebral Palsy, Exercise, Adults
- What is being tested?
- Exercise and education programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 47 participants
- Where
- 1 siteIreland
- Study dates
- 25 Jul 2025to 31 Mar 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 18 and over with cerebral palsy (CP) residing on the island of Ireland.
- Individuals of any Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level.
- Individuals with other associated impairments.
- People with mild-to-moderate intellectual disability who can access the online platform and follow study instructions, with or without support.
Who cannot join
- Individuals with severe intellectual disability where sufficient adaptations cannot be made.
- Adults with unstable medical conditions.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: CP-EXCEL: A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial of an Online Exercise Programme for Adults With Cerebral Palsy
Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) often face challenges in accessing exercise programmes that are appropriate for their needs. Barriers such as limited mobility, a lack of tailored options, and restricted access to physiotherapy services can make participation difficult. Exercise is important for improving physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. However, many adults with CP do not have regular opportunities to take part in structured physical activity. This study aims to investigate whether an online exercise programme can serve as an effective and accessible alternative.
The main aim of the study is to assess the feasibility of delivering an online exercise programme for adults with CP. Key areas of focus will include demand, implementation, practicality, adaptability, acceptability, and potential benefits to physical, mental, and social well-being.
Read more
A total of 60 adults with CP will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups (30 participants per group). One group will complete an 8-week online exercise and education programme. The second group will receive the same educational materials during the study and will be provided with information about the home exercise programme after the 8-week intervention period. Data will be collected on attendance, completion rates, engagement with exercises, and any reported adverse events. Health-related surveys will be completed before and after the programme to assess any changes. In addition, a selected group of participants from the intervention group will take part in interviews to provide feedback on their experiences.
Findings from this study may support the development of accessible, effective, and person-centred online exercise programmes for adults with CP. Results may help improve future programme design and contribute to better care and support for adults with CP in Ireland.
- Conditions
- Cerebral Palsy, Exercise, Adults, Fitness
- Being tested
- Exercise and education programme, control group
- Keywords
- Adults with cerebral palsy, Online exercise programme, physiotherapy
- Medical subject headings
- Cerebral Palsy, Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Exercise and education programmeOther
Participants will complete 8-week online exercise programme consisting of an online exercise class once per week. The exercises will target improving strength, balance and range of movement. In addition, participants will receive educational materials on exercise, nutrition, walking changes, fatigue, optimizing bone health, pain management, mental health, sleep and physical activity maintenance.
control groupOther
The control group will receive educational materials over 8 weeks
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise and Education | Experimental | Online exercise programme and educational material over 8 weeks. Receives: Other: Exercise and education programme |
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Educational materials over 8 weeks Receives: Other: control group |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Physical function
Physical function will be measured using the PROMIS physical function- Short Form 10a scale.
Measured: Duration of study 2 years
Mobility
Mobility will be measured using the Functional mobility scale on a scale of 0-6.
Measured: rolling recruitment over 1.2 years
Presence of Pain
Pain will be assessed using a self-reported questionnaire, measured as Yes or No with description.
Measured: Duration of study 2 years
Secondary outcomes (8)
Pain intensity
Pain intensity will be measured using the PROMIS Pain intensity form
Measured: Duration of study 2 years
Pain quality
Pain quality will be assessed using the PROMIS Neuropathic Pain Quality 5a and Nociceptive Pain Quality 5a scales, with total scores calculated for each to reflect the severity and type of pain experienced.
Measured: Duration of study 2 years
Pain interference
Pain quality will be assessed using the PROMIS Pain interference Short Form-8a, with total scores calculated to reflect the quality of pain experienced.
Measured: Duration of study 2 years
Fatigue
Fatigue will be assessed using the PROMIS Fatigue Short Form 13a (FACIT Fatigue) scale, with total scores calculated to reflect the severity of fatigue experienced by participants.
Measured: Duration of study 2 years
Sleep
Sleep will be assessed using the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance Short Form 4a scale, with total scores reflecting the extent of sleep disturbance experienced by participants.
Measured: Duration of study 2 years
Self-efficacy
Self-efficacy will be assessed using two PROMIS Short Form scales: the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Conditions - Managing Daily Activities (Short Form 8a) and the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Conditions - Managing Emotions. Total scores from each scale will reflect participants' confidence in managing daily activities and emotional responses related to their condition.
Measured: Duration of study 2 years
Depression
Depression will be assessed using the PROMIS Emotional Distress - Depression Short Form 8a, with total scores reflecting the severity of depressive symptoms experienced by participants.
Measured: Duration of study 2 years
Participation
Participation will be assessed using the PROMIS Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities Short Form 8a, with total scores indicating the extent to which participants are able to engage in social roles and daily activities.
Measured: Duration of study 2 years
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted21 May 2025
- Study start25 Jul 2025
- Primary completion28 Mar 2026
- Study completion31 Mar 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Cerebral PalsyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 47 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Jennifer M Ryan, PhD, Principal investigator, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06983782
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC202501020
- Status last verified
- May 2025
- First submitted
- 1 May 2025
- Last updated
- 12 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: The IPD will not be shared due to concerns over participant confidentiality and the potential risk of re-identification.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 12 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- CP-EXCEL: A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial of an Online Exercise Programme for Adults With Cerebral Palsy
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06983782
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC202501020
- Conditions
- Cerebral Palsy, Exercise, Adults, Fitness
- Keywords
- Adults with cerebral palsy, Online exercise programme, physiotherapy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 47 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Royal College of Surgeons, IrelandUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 25 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 28 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Mar 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 21 May 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) often face challenges in accessing exercise programmes that are appropriate for their needs. Barriers such as limited mobility, a lack of tailored options, and restricted access to physiotherapy services can make participation difficult. Exercise is important for improving physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. However, many adults with CP do not have regular opportunities to take part in structured physical activity. This study aims to investigate whether an online exercise programme can serve as an effective and accessible alternative.
The main aim of the study is to assess the feasibility of delivering an online exercise programme for adults with CP. Key areas of focus will include demand, implementation, practicality, adaptability, acceptability, and potential benefits to physical, mental, and social well-being.
A total of 60 adults with CP will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups (30 participants per group). One group will complete an 8-week online exercise and education programme. The second group will receive the same educational materials during the study and will be provided with information about the home exercise programme after the 8-week intervention period. Data will be collected on attendance, completion rates, engagement with exercises, and any reported adverse events. Health-related surveys will be completed before and after the programme to assess any changes. In addition, a selected group of participants from the intervention group will take part in interviews to provide feedback on their experiences.
Findings from this study may support the development of accessible, effective, and person-centred online exercise programmes for adults with CP. Results may help improve future programme design and contribute to better care and support for adults with CP in Ireland.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise and Education | Experimental | Other: Exercise and education programmeOnline exercise programme and educational material over 8 weeks. |
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Other: control groupEducational materials over 8 weeks |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Adults aged 18 and over with cerebral palsy (CP) residing on the island of Ireland.
- Individuals of any Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level.
- Individuals with other associated impairments.
- People with mild-to-moderate intellectual disability who can access the online platform and follow study instructions, with or without support.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Individuals with severe intellectual disability where sufficient adaptations cannot be made.
- Adults with unstable medical conditions.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise and education programmeParticipants will complete 8-week online exercise programme consisting of an online exercise class once per week. The exercises will target improving strength, balance and range of movement. In addition, participants will receive educational materials on exercise, nutrition, walking changes, fatigue, optimizing bone health, pain management, mental health, sleep and physical activity maintenance. | Other | Exercise and Education |
| control groupThe control group will receive educational materials over 8 weeks | Other | Placebo |
Primary outcome
Physical function
Time frame: Duration of study 2 years
Physical function will be measured using the PROMIS physical function- Short Form 10a scale.
Mobility
Time frame: rolling recruitment over 1.2 years
Mobility will be measured using the Functional mobility scale on a scale of 0-6.
Presence of Pain
Time frame: Duration of study 2 years
Pain will be assessed using a self-reported questionnaire, measured as Yes or No with description.
8 secondary outcomes
Pain intensity
Time frame: Duration of study 2 years
Pain quality
Time frame: Duration of study 2 years
Pain interference
Time frame: Duration of study 2 years
Fatigue
Time frame: Duration of study 2 years
Sleep
Time frame: Duration of study 2 years
Self-efficacy
Time frame: Duration of study 2 years
Depression
Time frame: Duration of study 2 years
Participation
Time frame: Duration of study 2 years
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 12 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. The IPD will not be shared due to concerns over participant confidentiality and the potential risk of re-identification.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Jennifer M Ryan, PhD principal investigator
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Exercise and education programme in people with Cerebral Palsy and Exercise, run by Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland at 1 site in Ireland.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Ireland. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Physical function (time frame: Duration of study 2 years). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 12 Aug 2026.