Cerebral Palsy, SpasticMFR-CP25NCT07148856
Myofascial Release Plus Physiotherapy for Children With Cerebral Palsy Post Achilles Tendon Surgery in Gaza (MFR-CP25)
A study testing Conventional Physiotherapy and Myofascial Release Technique in people with Cerebral Palsy, Spastic and Achilles Tendon Contracture, run by Ismail K. Al-Qudra at 1 site in Palestinian Territories.
Trial summary
"This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of adding Myofascial Release (MFR) technique to a conventional physiotherapy program for children with cerebral palsy after Achilles tendon surgery. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 2 to 5 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Cerebral Palsy, Spastic, Achilles Tendon Contracture
- What is being tested?
- Conventional Physiotherapy and Myofascial Release Technique
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePalestinian Territories
- Study dates
- 7 Aug 2025to 25 Jan 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 2 to 5 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Children aged 2-5 years
- Spastic cerebral palsy diagnosis (GMFCS levels I-IV).
- Underwent Achilles tendon surgery within the past 3 months
- Medically stable and cleared to begin physiotherapy.
- Parental/guardian consent to participate in the study.
Who cannot join
- Other neuromuscular disorders
- Severe cognitive impairments that hinder participation
- Previous MFR therapy within the last 6 months
- Participation in another rehabilitation study in the past 3 months.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Palestinian Territories1 site
The Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre - Al-Ahli Al-Arabi Hospital, Gaza
Gaza, Gaza Strip
About this study
Official title: Effect of a Combination of Myofascial Release Technique to Conventional Physiotherapy Program on Functional Outcomes in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy Post Achilles Tendon Surgery in the Gaza Strip
"This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of adding Myofascial Release (MFR) technique to a conventional physiotherapy program for children with cerebral palsy after Achilles tendon surgery. The primary goal is to determine whether MFR can improve functional outcomes such as gross motor function and ankle range of motion, compared to physiotherapy alone. The study will be conducted in Gaza, Palestine, with children diagnosed with cerebral palsy who recently underwent Achilles tendon surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either conventional physiotherapy or conventional physiotherapy combined with MFR, and outcomes will be assessed before and after an 8-week intervention program."
Read the detailed description
"Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often develop musculoskeletal complications, including Achilles tendon contractures, which may require surgical intervention. Despite surgery, many children continue to experience limitations in functional mobility and reduced range of motion. Conventional physiotherapy programs are commonly provided postoperatively to enhance recovery; however, additional manual therapy techniques such as Myofascial Release (MFR) may further improve outcomes.
This randomized controlled trial investigates the effectiveness of adding MFR to conventional physiotherapy for children with CP after Achilles tendon surgery in Gaza. Participants will be randomly allocated to either a control group (conventional physiotherapy only) or an intervention group (conventional physiotherapy plus MFR). Functional outcomes, including gross motor function (GMFM-88) and ankle range of motion, will be measured pre- and post-intervention. It is hypothesized that children receiving MFR in addition to conventional physiotherapy will demonstrate greater improvements in functional mobility and ankle range of motion compared to those receiving physiotherapy alone."
- Being tested
- Conventional Physiotherapy, Myofascial Release Technique
- Keywords
- Myofascial Release, Physical Therapy, Pediatric Rehabilitation, Gross Motor Function, Range of Motion, Gaza Strip
- Medical subject headings
- Cerebral Palsy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Conventional PhysiotherapyOther
A standard physiotherapy program provided after Achilles tendon surgery, including stretching, strengthening, mobility, and functional training exercises
Myofascial Release TechniqueOther
A manual therapy technique applied to the lower limb and ankle region, aiming to release fascial restrictions, improve soft tissue flexibility, and enhance ankle range of motion.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional Physiotherapy (CPT) | Active comparator | "Participants will receive a standard conventional physiotherapy program following Achilles tendon surgery. The program includes stretching, strengthening, mobility, and functional training exercises designed to enhance recovery and improve lower limb function." Receives: Other: Conventional Physiotherapy |
| Conventional Physiotherapy + Myofascial Release (CPT + MFR) | Experimental | "Participants will receive the same conventional physiotherapy program as the control group combined with myofascial release technique. The manual therapy will be applied to the lower limb and ankle region to improve fascial mobility, enhance soft tissue flexibility, and increase ankle range of motion." Receives: Other: Conventional Physiotherapy; Other: Myofascial Release Technique |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88)
Change in gross motor function measured using the GMFM-88 scale. The scale assesses motor function in children with cerebral palsy across five dimensions: lying \& rolling, sitting, crawling \& kneeling, standing, and walking/running/jumping. Scores range from 0 to 264, with higher scores indicating better motor function.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention]
Ankle Range of Motion (ROM)
Passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion measured using a goniometer. Improved ROM indicates increased flexibility and joint mobility.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS)
Change in balance performance measured using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), which consists of 14 functional balance tasks. The minimum possible score is 0 and the maximum possible score is 56, with higher scores indicating better balance ability.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 Aug 2025
- Study start7 Aug 2025
- Primary completion25 Jan 2026
- Study completion25 Jan 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Cerebral Palsy, SpasticStudies 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
- Model description
- "Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: conventional physiotherapy only or conventional physiotherapy plus myofascial release."
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ismail K. Al-Qudra
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Ismail K. Al-Qudra, Al-Azhar University - Gaza
- Investigators
- Ismail K Al Qedra, MSc (Physiotherapy), Principal investigator, Al-Azhar University - GazaMusab M Al Dabbas, PhD, Study director, Al-Azhar University - Gaza
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07148856
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- MScPT_CP_MFR2025
- Acronym
- MFR-CP25
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 23 Aug 2025
- Last updated
- 10 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: De-identified individual participant data (IPD) underlying the results reported in this article will be made available upon reasonable request from the Principal Investigator Ismail Kamal Al Qedra after publication. Data will be shared for academic and research purposes only.
Publications
Russell DJ, Rosenbaum PL, Avery LM, Lane M. Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66 & GMFM-88) User's Manual. Cambridge University Press; 2002.
Barnes MF. The basic science of myofascial release: morphologic change in connective tissue. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 1997;1(4):231-238.
Novak I, Morgan C, Fahey M, Finch-Edmondson M, Galea C, Hines A, Langdon K, Namara MM, Paton MC, Popat H, Shore B, Khamis A, Stanton E, Finemore OP, Tricks A, Te Velde A, Dark L, Morton N, Badawi N. State of the Evidence Traffic Lights 2019: Systematic Review of Interventions for Preventing and Treating Children with Cerebral Palsy. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2020 Feb 21;20(2):3. doi: 10.1007/s11910-020-1022-z.
PubMed 32086598
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of a Combination of Myofascial Release Technique to Conventional Physiotherapy Program on Functional Outcomes in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy Post Achilles Tendon Surgery in the Gaza Strip
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07148856
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MFR-CP25 / MScPT_CP_MFR2025
- Keywords
- Myofascial Release, Physical Therapy, Pediatric Rehabilitation, Gross Motor Function, Range of Motion, Gaza Strip
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Ismail K. Al-QudraUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 7 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 25 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 25 Jan 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 29 Aug 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.
"This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of adding Myofascial Release (MFR) technique to a conventional physiotherapy program for children with cerebral palsy after Achilles tendon surgery. The primary goal is to determine whether MFR can improve functional outcomes such as gross motor function and ankle range of motion, compared to physiotherapy alone. The study will be conducted in Gaza, Palestine, with children diagnosed with cerebral palsy who recently underwent Achilles tendon surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either conventional physiotherapy or conventional physiotherapy combined with MFR, and outcomes will be assessed before and after an 8-week intervention program."
Detailed description
"Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often develop musculoskeletal complications, including Achilles tendon contractures, which may require surgical intervention. Despite surgery, many children continue to experience limitations in functional mobility and reduced range of motion. Conventional physiotherapy programs are commonly provided postoperatively to enhance recovery; however, additional manual therapy techniques such as Myofascial Release (MFR) may further improve outcomes.
This randomized controlled trial investigates the effectiveness of adding MFR to conventional physiotherapy for children with CP after Achilles tendon surgery in Gaza. Participants will be randomly allocated to either a control group (conventional physiotherapy only) or an intervention group (conventional physiotherapy plus MFR). Functional outcomes, including gross motor function (GMFM-88) and ankle range of motion, will be measured pre- and post-intervention. It is hypothesized that children receiving MFR in addition to conventional physiotherapy will demonstrate greater improvements in functional mobility and ankle range of motion compared to those receiving physiotherapy alone."
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- "Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: conventional physiotherapy only or conventional physiotherapy plus myofascial release."
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional Physiotherapy (CPT) | Active comparator | Other: Conventional Physiotherapy"Participants will receive a standard conventional physiotherapy program following Achilles tendon surgery. The program includes stretching, strengthening, mobility, and functional training exercises designed to enhance recovery and improve lower limb function." |
| Conventional Physiotherapy + Myofascial Release (CPT + MFR) | Experimental | Other: Conventional Physiotherapy, Other: Myofascial Release Technique"Participants will receive the same conventional physiotherapy program as the control group combined with myofascial release technique. The manual therapy will be applied to the lower limb and ankle region to improve fascial mobility, enhance soft tissue flexibility, and increase ankle range of motion." |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 2 to 5 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Children aged 2-5 years
- Spastic cerebral palsy diagnosis (GMFCS levels I-IV).
- Underwent Achilles tendon surgery within the past 3 months
- Medically stable and cleared to begin physiotherapy.
- Parental/guardian consent to participate in the study.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Other neuromuscular disorders
- Severe cognitive impairments that hinder participation
- Previous MFR therapy within the last 6 months
- Participation in another rehabilitation study in the past 3 months.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional PhysiotherapyA standard physiotherapy program provided after Achilles tendon surgery, including stretching, strengthening, mobility, and functional training exercises | Other | Conventional Physiotherapy (CPT), Conventional Physiotherapy + Myofascial Release (CPT + MFR) |
| Myofascial Release TechniqueA manual therapy technique applied to the lower limb and ankle region, aiming to release fascial restrictions, improve soft tissue flexibility, and enhance ankle range of motion. | Other | Conventional Physiotherapy + Myofascial Release (CPT + MFR) |
Primary outcome
Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88)
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention]
Change in gross motor function measured using the GMFM-88 scale. The scale assesses motor function in children with cerebral palsy across five dimensions: lying \& rolling, sitting, crawling \& kneeling, standing, and walking/running/jumping. Scores range from 0 to 264, with higher scores indicating better motor function.
Ankle Range of Motion (ROM)
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion measured using a goniometer. Improved ROM indicates increased flexibility and joint mobility.
Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS)
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Change in balance performance measured using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), which consists of 14 functional balance tasks. The minimum possible score is 0 and the maximum possible score is 56, with higher scores indicating better balance ability.
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 10 Sep 2026.
- BackgroundRussell DJ, Rosenbaum PL, Avery LM, Lane M. Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66 & GMFM-88) User's Manual. Cambridge University Press; 2002.
- BackgroundBarnes MF. The basic science of myofascial release: morphologic change in connective tissue. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 1997;1(4):231-238.
- Background: PubMed 32086598Novak I, Morgan C, Fahey M, Finch-Edmondson M, Galea C, Hines A, Langdon K, Namara MM, Paton MC, Popat H, Shore B, Khamis A, Stanton E, Finemore OP, Tricks A, Te Velde A, Dark L, Morton N, Badawi N. State of the Evidence Traffic Lights 2019: Systematic Review of Interventions for Preventing and Treating Children with Cerebral Palsy. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2020 Feb 21;20(2):3. doi: 10.1007/s11910-020-1022-z.
- ClinicalTrials.govLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. De-identified individual participant data (IPD) underlying the results reported in this article will be made available upon reasonable request from the Principal Investigator Ismail Kamal Al Qedra after publication. Data will be shared for academic and research purposes only.
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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.
Ismail K Al Qedra, MSc (Physiotherapy) principal investigator
Al-Azhar University - Gaza
Musab M Al Dabbas, PhD study director
Al-Azhar University - Gaza
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Conventional Physiotherapy and Myofascial Release Technique in people with Cerebral Palsy, Spastic and Achilles Tendon Contracture, run by Ismail K. Al-Qudra at 1 site in Palestinian Territories.
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 5 inclusion and 4 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 10 Sep 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 Palestinian Territories. 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. 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?
Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) (time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention]). 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?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07148856, which also lists 3 linked publications.
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 10 Sep 2026.