Cerebral Palsy (CP)NCT07283133
Effects of Task Specific Circuit Training on Gross Motor Function, Balance, and Quality of Life in Cerebral Palsy
A study testing Task-Specific Circuit Training (TSCT) and Conventional Physical Therapy in people with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Quality of Life (QOL), run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study investigates how Task-Specific Circuit Training (TSCT) affects gross motor function, balance, and quality of life in children with Cerebral Palsy. Two groups will be compared: one receiving TSCT and the other receiving conventional physiotherapy. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 5 to 12 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Cerebral Palsy (CP), Quality of Life (QOL)
- What is being tested?
- Task-Specific Circuit Training (TSCT) and Conventional Physical Therapy
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 34 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 13 Sep 2025to 20 Dec 2025
- 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 5 to 12 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Confirmed diagnosis of Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy.
- Age range 5-12 years.
- GMFCS Levels I-III, indicating the ability to walk independently or with assistance.
- Modified Ashworth Scale score 0 to ≤ 2.
- Sufficient cognitive ability to participate in training and follow instructions.
Who cannot join
- Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score greater than 2 in key muscle groups.
- GMFCS Levels IV-V, indicating inability to walk.
- History of frequent seizures.
- Inability to follow verbal or visual instructions, or presence of severe cognitive impairment.
- Recent orthopedic surgery or Botulinum Toxin (Botox) injections.
- Severe musculoskeletal abnormalities such as spinal deformities, hip dislocation, or significant contractures limiting movement.
- Any respiratory, metabolic, or cardiovascular condition that may limit safe participation.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
Islamabad, 44000
About this study
This study investigates how Task-Specific Circuit Training (TSCT) affects gross motor function, balance, and quality of life in children with Cerebral Palsy. Two groups will be compared: one receiving TSCT and the other receiving conventional physiotherapy. Outcome measures, such as the GMFM, Pediatric Balance Scale, and CP-QoL questionnaire, will be recorded before and after a 8-week intervention (40-50 minutes, 3 sessions per week). Participants will be screened using GMFCS levels I-III. The study aims to determine whether TSCT provides greater improvements in functional mobility, postural control, and overall well-being compared to standard therapy.
Read the detailed description
This study evaluates the effects of a task-specific circuit training program on functional performance in individuals with cerebral palsy. The intervention is based on motor learning principles and emphasizes repetitive, goal-directed, and functionally relevant activities to enhance neuromuscular control and postural stability.
The task-specific circuit training protocol consists of a series of functional workstations targeting gross motor activities commonly required in daily life, including transitional movements, ambulation-related tasks, and static and dynamic balance activities. Exercises are individualized and progressively modified by adjusting task complexity, repetitions, and external support based on participant performance and tolerance. All training sessions are supervised by trained physiotherapists to ensure standardized implementation and safety.
The intervention is delivered over a structured training period with multiple sessions per week. Each session follows a standardized format consisting of a warm-up phase, circuit-based task-specific exercises, and a cool-down phase. The training approach prioritizes active participation, task repetition, and functional relevance to promote motor performance and functional independence.
The study examines changes in functional outcomes following the intervention period to determine the clinical utility of task-specific circuit training as a rehabilitation strategy for individuals with cerebral palsy.
- Conditions
- Cerebral Palsy (CP), Quality of Life (QOL)
- Being tested
- Task-Specific Circuit Training (TSCT), Conventional Physical Therapy
- Keywords
- Balance, Gross motor function, task-specific circuit training, hemiplegic cp
- Medical subject headings
- Cerebral Palsy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Task-Specific Circuit Training (TSCT)Procedure or surgery
Task-specific circuit training program consisting of 14 workstations designed to improve gross motor skills, balance, strength, and functional mobility. Each station includes a specific functional task-such as reaching, sit-to-stand, stepping in different directions, heel-to-toe raises, squatting, straight-leg raises, stair climbing, backward walking, balance-beam walking, core exercises, bridges, opposite-arm/leg raises, side-bridge exercises, and stationary cycling. Progression at each station is achieved by increasing difficulty through adjustments such as varying distances or heights, increasing repetitions, adding weights, altering surfaces (firm/soft), increasing movement speed, reducing squat depth, carrying objects during tasks, or increasing resistance (for cycling). Overall, the program gradually challenges the child's balance, strength, coordination, and motor control by systematically modifying task demands.
Conventional Physical TherapyProcedure or surgery
Conventional physical therapy will include stretching, strengthening, and positioning exercises. Spastic muscles will be stretched to mild discomfort, held for 20 seconds, and repeated five times. Weak muscles will be strengthened with 10 resisted contractions per session. Parents will be advised to seat the child with legs apart on a bench/block with heels supported and to practice wall-standing with legs moderately abducted and externally rotated for 15 minutes daily after exercises.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Task-specific circuit training (TSCT) | Experimental | Task-specific circuit training (TSCT) is a high-intensity, progressive programme aimed at improving functional movement through real-life tasks. It consists of 14 workstations, each performing for 1.5 minutes, with a 3-minute rest after completing the full circuit (total ~21 minutes). Activities include standing and reaching, sit-to-stand, stepping, heel/toe raises, squats, stair climbing, balance exercises, core strengthening, and cycling. This structured circuit enhances gross motor skills, balance, coordination, and overall functional performance. Receives: Procedure: Task-Specific Circuit Training (TSCT) |
| Conventional physical therapy | Other | Conventional physical therapy for both groups will include stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and positioning techniques.
Each spastic muscle will be stretched to the point of mild discomfort, held for 20 seconds, and repeated five times.
Every child with CP will be assessed individually to identify spastic muscle groups. Each weak muscle will be trained to contract against resistance, with 10 repetitions performed in each session.
Parents will be advised to make their child sit with legs open on a bench or block, ensuring the heels touch the ground. They will also be instructed to have their child stand against a wall with the legs in moderate abduction and external rotation for 15 minutes daily after exercises. Receives: Procedure: Conventional Physical Therapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Gross motor function
Gross motor function is measured by GMFM-88. These are the gold-standard tools for evaluating changes in gross motor abilities in CP children. It helps to evaluate changes in motor skills over time or after intervention.
Assesses gross motor functions such as lying, rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, walking, running, and jumping. 80-100% Near-normal motor function / mild CP 40-80% Moderate motor impairment < 40% Severe motor impairment
Measured: 8 week
Balance
Balance is measured by the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). Contains 14 tasks such as standing, reaching, turning, and transferring. Scores range from 0 to 5. 50-56 Normal or near-normal balance 33-49 Moderate balance impairment 0-32 Poor balance / high fall risk
Measured: 8 week
Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life
Quality of life is measured by CP QOL (Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire). It measures domains such as: Social well-being, Emotional well-being, Participation, Pain and disability, Access to services, Family health. Scores range 0-100 > 70 High QOL 50-70 Moderate QOL < 50 Low QOL
Measured: 8 week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Dec 2025
- Study start13 Sep 2025
- Primary completion10 Dec 2025
- Study completion20 Dec 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Cerebral Palsy (CP)Studies 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
- 34 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University Islamabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07283133
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- FUI/CTR/2025/13
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 2 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 31 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 31 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Task Specific Circuit Training on Gross Motor Function, Balance, and Quality of Life in Cerebral Palsy
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07283133
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FUI/CTR/2025/13
- Conditions
- Cerebral Palsy (CP), Quality of Life (QOL)
- Keywords
- Balance, Gross motor function, task-specific circuit training, hemiplegic cp
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University IslamabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 13 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 20 Dec 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 15 Dec 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 investigates how Task-Specific Circuit Training (TSCT) affects gross motor function, balance, and quality of life in children with Cerebral Palsy. Two groups will be compared: one receiving TSCT and the other receiving conventional physiotherapy. Outcome measures, such as the GMFM, Pediatric Balance Scale, and CP-QoL questionnaire, will be recorded before and after a 8-week intervention (40-50 minutes, 3 sessions per week). Participants will be screened using GMFCS levels I-III. The study aims to determine whether TSCT provides greater improvements in functional mobility, postural control, and overall well-being compared to standard therapy.
Detailed description
This study evaluates the effects of a task-specific circuit training program on functional performance in individuals with cerebral palsy. The intervention is based on motor learning principles and emphasizes repetitive, goal-directed, and functionally relevant activities to enhance neuromuscular control and postural stability.
The task-specific circuit training protocol consists of a series of functional workstations targeting gross motor activities commonly required in daily life, including transitional movements, ambulation-related tasks, and static and dynamic balance activities. Exercises are individualized and progressively modified by adjusting task complexity, repetitions, and external support based on participant performance and tolerance. All training sessions are supervised by trained physiotherapists to ensure standardized implementation and safety.
The intervention is delivered over a structured training period with multiple sessions per week. Each session follows a standardized format consisting of a warm-up phase, circuit-based task-specific exercises, and a cool-down phase. The training approach prioritizes active participation, task repetition, and functional relevance to promote motor performance and functional independence.
The study examines changes in functional outcomes following the intervention period to determine the clinical utility of task-specific circuit training as a rehabilitation strategy for individuals with cerebral palsy.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Task-specific circuit training (TSCT) | Experimental | Procedure: Task-Specific Circuit Training (TSCT)Task-specific circuit training (TSCT) is a high-intensity, progressive programme aimed at improving functional movement through real-life tasks. It consists of 14 workstations, each performing for 1.5 minutes, with a 3-minute rest after completing the full circuit (total ~21 minutes). Activities include standing and reaching, sit-to-stand, stepping, heel/toe raises, squats, stair climbing, balance exercises, core strengthening, and cycling. This structured circuit enhances gross motor skills, balance, coordination, and overall functional performance. |
| Conventional physical therapy | Other | Procedure: Conventional Physical TherapyConventional physical therapy for both groups will include stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and positioning techniques. Each spastic muscle will be stretched to the point of mild discomfort, held for 20 seconds, and repeated five times. Every child with CP will be assessed individually to identify spastic muscle groups. Each weak muscle will be trained to contract against resistance, with 10 repetitions performed in each session. Parents will be advised to make their child sit with legs open on a bench or block, ensuring the heels touch the ground. They will also be instructed to have their child stand against a wall with the legs in moderate abduction and external rotation for 15 minutes daily after exercises. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 5 to 12 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Confirmed diagnosis of Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy.
- Age range 5-12 years.
- GMFCS Levels I-III, indicating the ability to walk independently or with assistance.
- Modified Ashworth Scale score 0 to ≤ 2.
- Sufficient cognitive ability to participate in training and follow instructions.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score greater than 2 in key muscle groups.
- GMFCS Levels IV-V, indicating inability to walk.
- History of frequent seizures.
- Inability to follow verbal or visual instructions, or presence of severe cognitive impairment.
- Recent orthopedic surgery or Botulinum Toxin (Botox) injections.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Task-Specific Circuit Training (TSCT)Task-specific circuit training program consisting of 14 workstations designed to improve gross motor skills, balance, strength, and functional mobility. Each station includes a specific functional task-such as reaching, sit-to-stand, stepping in different directions, heel-to-toe raises, squatting, straight-leg raises, stair climbing, backward walking, balance-beam walking, core exercises, bridges, opposite-arm/leg raises, side-bridge exercises, and stationary cycling. Progression at each station is achieved by increasing difficulty through adjustments such as varying distances or heights, increasing repetitions, adding weights, altering surfaces (firm/soft), increasing movement speed, reducing squat depth, carrying objects during tasks, or increasing resistance (for cycling). Overall, the program gradually challenges the child's balance, strength, coordination, and motor control by systematically modifying task demands. | Procedure or surgery | Task-specific circuit training (TSCT) |
| Conventional Physical TherapyConventional physical therapy will include stretching, strengthening, and positioning exercises. Spastic muscles will be stretched to mild discomfort, held for 20 seconds, and repeated five times. Weak muscles will be strengthened with 10 resisted contractions per session. Parents will be advised to seat the child with legs apart on a bench/block with heels supported and to practice wall-standing with legs moderately abducted and externally rotated for 15 minutes daily after exercises. | Procedure or surgery | Conventional physical therapy |
Primary outcome
Gross motor function
Time frame: 8 week
Gross motor function is measured by GMFM-88. These are the gold-standard tools for evaluating changes in gross motor abilities in CP children. It helps to evaluate changes in motor skills over time or after intervention. Assesses gross motor functions such as lying, rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, walking, running, and jumping. 80-100% Near-normal motor function / mild CP 40-80% Moderate motor impairment < 40% Severe motor impairment
Balance
Time frame: 8 week
Balance is measured by the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). Contains 14 tasks such as standing, reaching, turning, and transferring. Scores range from 0 to 5. 50-56 Normal or near-normal balance 33-49 Moderate balance impairment 0-32 Poor balance / high fall risk
Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life
Time frame: 8 week
Quality of life is measured by CP QOL (Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire). It measures domains such as: Social well-being, Emotional well-being, Participation, Pain and disability, Access to services, Family health. Scores range 0-100 > 70 High QOL 50-70 Moderate QOL < 50 Low QOL
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 31 Dec 2025.
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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.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Task-Specific Circuit Training (TSCT) and Conventional Physical Therapy in people with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Quality of Life (QOL), run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
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 7 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 31 Dec 2025. 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 Pakistan. 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 (time frame: 8 week). 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 31 Dec 2025.