DNSNCT07729800
Effects of Reflex Mediated Core Stability Exercise on Sensory Processing Skills and Gross Motor Function
A study testing Reflex mediated core stability exercise and conventional therapy in people with DNS and Cerebral Palsy, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Current literature on DNS in CP primarily focuses on motor outcomes like postural control and balance. Therefore, there are fewer studies up to researcher's knowledge about DNS's impact on broad sensory processing skills in CP. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 4 to 12 years
- Conditions the study is for
- DNS, Cerebral Palsy, Sensory Processing Disorder
- What is being tested?
- Reflex mediated core stability exercise and conventional therapy
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 26 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Apr 2026to 27 Jul 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 4 to 12 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Children with both genders.
- Children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP).
- Children aged between 4-12 years (12).
- Children with spastic-type Cerebral Palsy (diplegic) classified within Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Levels III-V.
- Ability to understand and consistently follow simple verbal instructions.
- Informed written consent obtained from the child's legal parent or guardian.
Who cannot join
- Children with severe cognitive impairment.
- Severe muscle contracture >10 degrees or bone deformity significantly limiting participation in exercises.
- Children with significant Communication Deficits
- Any operational procedure within the last six months
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Reflex Mediated Core Stability Exercise on Sensory Processing Skills and Gross Motor Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Current literature on DNS in CP primarily focuses on motor outcomes like postural control and balance. Therefore, there are fewer studies up to researcher's knowledge about DNS's impact on broad sensory processing skills in CP. The study will investigate the direct effect of reflex-mediated core stability exercises on a comprehensive range of sensory processing skills in children with CP.
Read the detailed description
Reflex-mediated core stabilization, also known as dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS). Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) is a rehabilitation approach based on developmental kinesiology, which observes infant motor behavior from birth to walking. Proposed by Pavel Kolar, it emphasizes posture, breathing patterns, and joint centration, focusing on core stability provided by muscles such as the diaphragm, transverse abdominis, and multifidus. DNS aims to improve muscle strength and endurance by enhancing neuromuscular coordination and integrating the spinal stabilization system. Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting posture and mobility due to non-progressive brain lesions, often presenting with abnormal muscle tone, weakness, poor trunk control, and sensory, perceptual, communication, and cognitive issues. Sensory-processing disorders are frequently observed in children with CP. While traditional core stability exercises and sensory integration therapies have shown benefits, this study aims to specifically investigate the comprehensive impact of reflex-mediated core stability exercises (DNS) on both sensory processing skills and overall gross motor function in children with CP.
The study design will be Randomized Controlled Trial, conducted over 10 months at Sehat Medical Complex in Lahore. A total of 26 participants, with 13 in each group, will be recruited using non-probability convenient sampling. Inclusion criteria include children aged 4-12 years diagnosed with spastic-type CP (diplegic) classified within GMFCS Levels III-V who can follow simple verbal instructions, and whose legal guardian provides informed consent. Exclusion criteria encompass severe cognitive impairment, severe muscle contracture >10 degrees or bone deformity, and significant communication deficits. Data will be collected using the Sensory Profiling (SP) and Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) tools. The experimental Group A will receive 30 minutes of reflex-mediated core stabilization exercises five times weekly, followed by 20 minutes of conventional therapy for 8 weeks. Group B, the control group, will receive conventional therapy. The synopsis will be presented to the Research Ethical Committee of Riphah International University, Lahore, for ethical approval to conduct this study. Data will be analyzed through SPSS version 27.0
- Conditions
- DNS, Cerebral Palsy, Sensory Processing Disorder, Gross Motor Function
- Being tested
- Reflex mediated core stability exercise, conventional therapy
- Medical subject headings
- Cerebral Palsy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Reflex mediated core stability exerciseOther
The exercises are progressed over the six weeks and include positions such as:
- Supine Lying
- Prone Position
- Side Lying Position
- Quadripod Position
- Tripod Position
- Squat
conventional therapyOther
Participants will be given 20 min of conventional therapy for 8 weeks, five times weekly.
Therapy includes:
Facilitatory techniques are used for gross motor control such as:
- Quadruped activities
- Crawling
- Kneeling
- Sitting
- Walking
It also incorporates exercises like:
- Passive stretches for adductors, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calf muscles in both limbs (three repetitions with a 10-second hold).
- Active and passive range-of-motion exercises for the lower limbs in sitting and supine positions (three sets with 10 repetitions).
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Reflex mediated core stability exercise | Experimental | the exercises are progressed over the six weeks and include positions such as:
* Supine Lying
* Prone Position
* Side Lying Position
* Quadripod Positio
* Tripod Position
* Squat Receives: Other: Reflex mediated core stability exercise; Other: conventional therapy |
| conventional therapy | Experimental | Participants will be given 20 min of conventional therapy for 8 weeks, five times weekly.
Therapy includes:
Facilitatory techniques are used for gross motor control such as:
* Quadruped activities
* Crawling
* Kneeling
* Sitting
* Walking
It also incorporates exercises like:
* Passive stretches for adductors, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calf muscles in both limbs (three repetitions with a 10-second hold).
* Active and passive range-of-motion exercises for the lower limbs in sitting and supine positions (three sets with 10 repetitions). Receives: Other: conventional therapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Sensory processing skills
Sensory profiling was designed by an occupational therapist. The questionnaire assessing the sensory processing of children aged 3-10 was filled out by their parents or caregivers. It consisted of 125 items. The survey consisted of 14 subsections under 3 main headings. These main topics were sensory processing, modulation, and emotional behavioral responses.
Measured: baseline and after 6 weeks
Gross motor function
The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) is a tool that has been developed to assess change in gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy aged 5 months to 16 years of age.
Measured: baseline and after 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted28 Jul 2026
- Study start1 Apr 2026
- Primary completion20 Jul 2026
- Study completion27 Jul 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for DNSStudies 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
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator
- Enrolment
- 26 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Saifah Ashfaq, dpt, Principal investigator, ripah international university
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07729800
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR&AHS/25/0705
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 5 May 2026
- Last updated
- 28 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Mahdieh L, Zolaktaf V, Karimi MT. Effects of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) training on functional movements. Hum Mov Sci. 2020 Apr;70:102568. doi: 10.1016/j.humov.2019.102568. Epub 2020 Jan 13.
PubMed 31950895
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Reflex Mediated Core Stability Exercise on Sensory Processing Skills and Gross Motor Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07729800
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR&AHS/25/0705
- Conditions
- DNS, Cerebral Palsy, Sensory Processing Disorder, Gross Motor Function
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 26 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 27 Jul 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 28 Jul 2026 (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.
Current literature on DNS in CP primarily focuses on motor outcomes like postural control and balance. Therefore, there are fewer studies up to researcher's knowledge about DNS's impact on broad sensory processing skills in CP. The study will investigate the direct effect of reflex-mediated core stability exercises on a comprehensive range of sensory processing skills in children with CP.
Detailed description
Reflex-mediated core stabilization, also known as dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS). Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) is a rehabilitation approach based on developmental kinesiology, which observes infant motor behavior from birth to walking. Proposed by Pavel Kolar, it emphasizes posture, breathing patterns, and joint centration, focusing on core stability provided by muscles such as the diaphragm, transverse abdominis, and multifidus. DNS aims to improve muscle strength and endurance by enhancing neuromuscular coordination and integrating the spinal stabilization system. Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting posture and mobility due to non-progressive brain lesions, often presenting with abnormal muscle tone, weakness, poor trunk control, and sensory, perceptual, communication, and cognitive issues. Sensory-processing disorders are frequently observed in children with CP. While traditional core stability exercises and sensory integration therapies have shown benefits, this study aims to specifically investigate the comprehensive impact of reflex-mediated core stability exercises (DNS) on both sensory processing skills and overall gross motor function in children with CP.
The study design will be Randomized Controlled Trial, conducted over 10 months at Sehat Medical Complex in Lahore. A total of 26 participants, with 13 in each group, will be recruited using non-probability convenient sampling. Inclusion criteria include children aged 4-12 years diagnosed with spastic-type CP (diplegic) classified within GMFCS Levels III-V who can follow simple verbal instructions, and whose legal guardian provides informed consent. Exclusion criteria encompass severe cognitive impairment, severe muscle contracture >10 degrees or bone deformity, and significant communication deficits. Data will be collected using the Sensory Profiling (SP) and Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) tools. The experimental Group A will receive 30 minutes of reflex-mediated core stabilization exercises five times weekly, followed by 20 minutes of conventional therapy for 8 weeks. Group B, the control group, will receive conventional therapy. The synopsis will be presented to the Research Ethical Committee of Riphah International University, Lahore, for ethical approval to conduct this study. Data will be analyzed through SPSS version 27.0
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Reflex mediated core stability exercise | Experimental | Other: Reflex mediated core stability exercise, Other: conventional therapythe exercises are progressed over the six weeks and include positions such as: * Supine Lying * Prone Position * Side Lying Position * Quadripod Positio * Tripod Position * Squat |
| conventional therapy | Experimental | Other: conventional therapyParticipants will be given 20 min of conventional therapy for 8 weeks, five times weekly. Therapy includes: Facilitatory techniques are used for gross motor control such as: * Quadruped activities * Crawling * Kneeling * Sitting * Walking It also incorporates exercises like: * Passive stretches for adductors, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calf muscles in both limbs (three repetitions with a 10-second hold). * Active and passive range-of-motion exercises for the lower limbs in sitting and supine positions (three sets with 10 repetitions). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 4 to 12 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Children with both genders.
- Children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP).
- Children aged between 4-12 years (12).
- Children with spastic-type Cerebral Palsy (diplegic) classified within Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Levels III-V.
- Ability to understand and consistently follow simple verbal instructions.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Children with severe cognitive impairment.
- Severe muscle contracture >10 degrees or bone deformity significantly limiting participation in exercises.
- Children with significant Communication Deficits
- Any operational procedure within the last six 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Reflex mediated core stability exerciseThe exercises are progressed over the six weeks and include positions such as: * Supine Lying * Prone Position * Side Lying Position * Quadripod Position * Tripod Position * Squat | Other | Reflex mediated core stability exercise |
| conventional therapyParticipants will be given 20 min of conventional therapy for 8 weeks, five times weekly. Therapy includes: Facilitatory techniques are used for gross motor control such as: * Quadruped activities * Crawling * Kneeling * Sitting * Walking It also incorporates exercises like: * Passive stretches for adductors, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calf muscles in both limbs (three repetitions with a 10-second hold). * Active and passive range-of-motion exercises for the lower limbs in sitting and supine positions (three sets with 10 repetitions). | Other | Reflex mediated core stability exercise, conventional therapy |
Primary outcome
Sensory processing skills
Time frame: baseline and after 6 weeks
Sensory profiling was designed by an occupational therapist. The questionnaire assessing the sensory processing of children aged 3-10 was filled out by their parents or caregivers. It consisted of 125 items. The survey consisted of 14 subsections under 3 main headings. These main topics were sensory processing, modulation, and emotional behavioral responses.
Gross motor function
Time frame: baseline and after 6 weeks
The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) is a tool that has been developed to assess change in gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy aged 5 months to 16 years of age.
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 28 Jul 2026.
- Background: PubMed 31950895Mahdieh L, Zolaktaf V, Karimi MT. Effects of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) training on functional movements. Hum Mov Sci. 2020 Apr;70:102568. doi: 10.1016/j.humov.2019.102568. Epub 2020 Jan 13.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Saifah Ashfaq, dpt principal investigator
ripah international university
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Reflex mediated core stability exercise and conventional therapy in people with DNS and Cerebral Palsy, run by Riphah International University 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 6 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 28 Jul 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 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?
Sensory processing skills (time frame: baseline and after 6 weeks). The study lists 2 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 NCT07729800, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 28 Jul 2026.