Cerebral PalsyNCT07764952
Effects of Core Stability Program on Abdominal Endurance in Wheelchair Bound Cerebral Palsy
A study testing Core Stability Program and traditional Physiotherapy in people with Cerebral Palsy, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study aims to evaluate the effects of a Core Stability Program on abdominal endurance and constipation severity in wheelchair-bound children with cerebral palsy. It seeks to determine whether targeted core strengthening exercises can improve muscular endurance of the abdominal region while also alleviating… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 6 to 12 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Cerebral Palsy
- What is being tested?
- Core Stability Program and traditional Physiotherapy
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 26 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Apr 2026to 1 Jun 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 6 to 12 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Diagnosis of cerebral palsy - particularly spastic or hemiplegic types
- Regardless the cause of CP
- Age range typically 6-12 years old
- A motor function level IV as per the Gross Motor Function Classification System
- Grade 1 / 1+ (mild spasticity) according to Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)
- Non-ambulatory or inability to ambulate
Show all 10Show fewer
- CP children with constipation ; Fewer than 3 defecations per week, History of hard stools or painful defecation
- Defecation frequency measured less than three times a week is considered constipation using Rome IV
- Parental/guardian permission (informed consent) and child assent of a minor if the patient was able to assent (35).
- The ability to understand and follow instructions
Who cannot join
- Had visual impairments, extreme spasticity, uncontrolled convulsions, any other neuromuscular diseases, ataxia-telangiectasia, spinocerebellar ataxia, and/or Joubert syndrome
- Children who received botulinum toxin injection within the last six months, had fixed contractures or deformities of the spine or the extremities, and had previous surgeries of the spine or the lower extremities within one year or visual, auditary or respiratory disorders
- Children with any other systemic co morbidities, physical deformity in GIT, intellectual disability and recent traumatic brain injury
- Participation in other intensive physical therapy programs simultaneously
- Severe musculoskeletal deformities that limit participation in the training
- Children with congenital anatomic abnormalities of the urogenital area, including Hirschsprung's disease, spina bifida, anorectal malformations, urethral strictures, down syndrome or hypothyroidism, gastrointestinal bleeding, intestinal perforation, ileus obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, toxic megacolon, metal implants or pacemakers in the abdominal area, open wounds in the abdominal and thoracic region, history of surgery on the stomach, malignancy .
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Core Stability Program on Abdominal Endurance and Constipation in Wheelchair Bound Children With Cerebral Palsy
This study aims to evaluate the effects of a Core Stability Program on abdominal endurance and constipation severity in wheelchair-bound children with cerebral palsy. It seeks to determine whether targeted core strengthening exercises can improve muscular endurance of the abdominal region while also alleviating constipation symptoms, thereby enhancing overall functional health and quality of life in this population.
Read the detailed description
Although core stability training has been extensively explored in children with cerebral palsy (CP), particularly for improving trunk control, balance, and overall gross motor function, there remains a notable gap in the literature regarding its effects on abdominal endurance and gastrointestinal outcomes such as constipation. Most of the available research has primarily focused on ambulatory children with CP, often overlooking those who are wheelchair-bound and typically present with more severe functional limitations. This creates an important gap, as non-ambulatory children may have different rehabilitation needs and may respond differently to therapeutic interventions.
While the positive influence of core stability exercises on postural control and functional mobility is well established, their potential role in enhancing abdominal muscle endurance has not been thoroughly investigated. Abdominal endurance is particularly important in this population, as weak core musculature can contribute not only to poor posture but also to reduced intra-abdominal pressure, which may adversely affect bowel function. Constipation is a common and often chronic issue among children with CP, especially those who are wheelchair-dependent, due to factors such as limited mobility, reduced muscle tone, and impaired neuromuscular coordination.
Existing research addressing constipation in children with CP has largely concentrated on pharmacological treatments and dietary modifications, with comparatively little emphasis on physiotherapy-based interventions. This highlights a missed opportunity to explore non-invasive, exercise-based strategies that could potentially address both musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal concerns simultaneously. To date, very few comprehensive studies have examined the combined effects of core stability training on both abdominal endurance and constipation severity in non-ambulatory children with CP. Therefore, this study aims to address this critical gap by investigating whether a structured core stability program can improve abdominal muscle endurance while also reducing constipation severity, ultimately contributing to better functional health and quality of life in this population.
- Conditions
- Cerebral Palsy
- Being tested
- Core Stability Program, traditional Physiotherapy
- Keywords
- Cerebral Palsy, Exercise Therapy, Muscle Strength, Muscle Endurance, Constipation, Posture
- Medical subject headings
- Cerebral Palsy, Constipation
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Core Stability ProgramOther
The intervention consists of a structured core stability program designed to improve trunk control and abdominal muscle function in wheelchair-bound children with cerebral palsy. The program includes targeted exercises focusing on strengthening deep abdominal and trunk muscles through progressive, age-appropriate, and functional activities performed under physiotherapist supervision over a defined period.
traditional PhysiotherapyOther
Participants in this arm will receive conventional physiotherapy focusing on improving abdominal endurance. The intervention will include exercises such as static and dynamic trunk strengthening, pelvic tilts, assisted sit-ups, breathing exercises, and postural control activities. Sessions will be conducted under the supervision of a trained physiotherapist, typically 3-5 times per week for a specified duration. The program aims to enhance core muscle strength, improve trunk stability, and support functional activities in wheelchair-bound children with cerebral palsy.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Core Stability Program | Experimental | Participants in this arm will receive a structured core stability training program designed to improve abdominal muscle strength and endurance. The program will include supervised therapeutic exercises focusing on trunk control, core activation, and postural stability, administered over a specified period in addition to routine care or standard management. Receives: Other: Core Stability Program |
| traditional Physiotherapy | Experimental | Participants in this arm will receive conventional physiotherapy focusing on improving abdominal endurance. The intervention will include exercises such as static and dynamic trunk strengthening, pelvic tilts, assisted sit-ups, breathing exercises, and postural control activities. Sessions will be conducted under the supervision of a trained physiotherapist, typically 3-5 times per week for a specified duration. The program aims to enhance core muscle strength, improve trunk stability, and support functional activities in wheelchair-bound children with cerebral palsy. Receives: Other: traditional Physiotherapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Abdominal Muscle Endurance
Abdominal muscle endurance will be assessed to evaluate the effect of a core stability program in wheelchair-bound children with cerebral palsy.
The Modified Curl-Up Test will be used. Participants perform as many correct curl-ups as possible in 1 minute with standardized form and positioning.
Time Frame: Baseline and 3 months Measurement: Number of correctly performed curl-ups in 1 minute. Higher number indicates better outcome.
Measured: 3 months
Change in Constipation Severity
Constipation severity will be assessed to evaluate the effect of a core stability program on bowel function in wheelchair-bound children with cerebral palsy.
The Modified Bristol Stool Form Scale for Children [mBSFS-C] will be used. Parents/caregivers record stool type daily for 7 days. An average weekly score will be calculated.
Time Frame: Baseline and 3 months Measurement: mBSFS-C score ranging from 1 to 7. Scores of 1-2 indicate constipation. Scores of 3-4 indicate normal stool form. Improvement toward scores of 3-4 indicates better outcome.
Measured: 3 months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 Aug 2026
- Study start1 Apr 2026
- Primary completion15 May 2026
- Study completion1 Jun 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 Cerebral PalsyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- 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
- This interventional study will employ a parallel design in which participants are assigned to two groups that receive different interventions or conditions simultaneously. Each group will be followed over the same study period, and outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention. This design allows comparison of effects between groups receiving the core stability program and the comparison Traditional physiotherapy, ensuring evaluation of the intervention's effectiveness under similar time conditions.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 26 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Javeria Azeem, MS PPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07764952
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RCR/RCR&AHS/25/0747
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 5 May 2026
- Last updated
- 14 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
El Shemy SA. Trunk endurance and gait changes after core stability training in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2018;31(6):1159-1167. doi: 10.3233/BMR-181123.
PubMed 30056415
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 14 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Core Stability Program on Abdominal Endurance and Constipation in Wheelchair Bound Children With Cerebral Palsy
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07764952
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RCR/RCR&AHS/25/0747
- Conditions
- Cerebral Palsy
- Keywords
- Cerebral Palsy, Exercise Therapy, Muscle Strength, Muscle Endurance, Constipation, Posture
- 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
- 15 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Jun 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 14 Aug 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.
This study aims to evaluate the effects of a Core Stability Program on abdominal endurance and constipation severity in wheelchair-bound children with cerebral palsy. It seeks to determine whether targeted core strengthening exercises can improve muscular endurance of the abdominal region while also alleviating constipation symptoms, thereby enhancing overall functional health and quality of life in this population.
Detailed description
Although core stability training has been extensively explored in children with cerebral palsy (CP), particularly for improving trunk control, balance, and overall gross motor function, there remains a notable gap in the literature regarding its effects on abdominal endurance and gastrointestinal outcomes such as constipation. Most of the available research has primarily focused on ambulatory children with CP, often overlooking those who are wheelchair-bound and typically present with more severe functional limitations. This creates an important gap, as non-ambulatory children may have different rehabilitation needs and may respond differently to therapeutic interventions.
While the positive influence of core stability exercises on postural control and functional mobility is well established, their potential role in enhancing abdominal muscle endurance has not been thoroughly investigated. Abdominal endurance is particularly important in this population, as weak core musculature can contribute not only to poor posture but also to reduced intra-abdominal pressure, which may adversely affect bowel function. Constipation is a common and often chronic issue among children with CP, especially those who are wheelchair-dependent, due to factors such as limited mobility, reduced muscle tone, and impaired neuromuscular coordination.
Existing research addressing constipation in children with CP has largely concentrated on pharmacological treatments and dietary modifications, with comparatively little emphasis on physiotherapy-based interventions. This highlights a missed opportunity to explore non-invasive, exercise-based strategies that could potentially address both musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal concerns simultaneously. To date, very few comprehensive studies have examined the combined effects of core stability training on both abdominal endurance and constipation severity in non-ambulatory children with CP. Therefore, this study aims to address this critical gap by investigating whether a structured core stability program can improve abdominal muscle endurance while also reducing constipation severity, ultimately contributing to better functional health and quality of life in this population.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This interventional study will employ a parallel design in which participants are assigned to two groups that receive different interventions or conditions simultaneously. Each group will be followed over the same study period, and outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention. This design allows comparison of effects between groups receiving the core stability program and the comparison Traditional physiotherapy, ensuring evaluation of the intervention's effectiveness under similar time conditions.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Core Stability Program | Experimental | Other: Core Stability ProgramParticipants in this arm will receive a structured core stability training program designed to improve abdominal muscle strength and endurance. The program will include supervised therapeutic exercises focusing on trunk control, core activation, and postural stability, administered over a specified period in addition to routine care or standard management. |
| traditional Physiotherapy | Experimental | Other: traditional PhysiotherapyParticipants in this arm will receive conventional physiotherapy focusing on improving abdominal endurance. The intervention will include exercises such as static and dynamic trunk strengthening, pelvic tilts, assisted sit-ups, breathing exercises, and postural control activities. Sessions will be conducted under the supervision of a trained physiotherapist, typically 3-5 times per week for a specified duration. The program aims to enhance core muscle strength, improve trunk stability, and support functional activities in wheelchair-bound children with cerebral palsy. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 6 to 12 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Diagnosis of cerebral palsy - particularly spastic or hemiplegic types
- Regardless the cause of CP
- Age range typically 6-12 years old
- A motor function level IV as per the Gross Motor Function Classification System
- Grade 1 / 1+ (mild spasticity) according to Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Had visual impairments, extreme spasticity, uncontrolled convulsions, any other neuromuscular diseases, ataxia-telangiectasia, spinocerebellar ataxia, and/or Joubert syndrome
- Children who received botulinum toxin injection within the last six months, had fixed contractures or deformities of the spine or the extremities, and had previous surgeries of the spine or the lower extremities within one year or visual, auditary or respiratory disorders
- Children with any other systemic co morbidities, physical deformity in GIT, intellectual disability and recent traumatic brain injury
- Participation in other intensive physical therapy programs simultaneously
- Severe musculoskeletal deformities that limit participation in the training
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Core Stability ProgramThe intervention consists of a structured core stability program designed to improve trunk control and abdominal muscle function in wheelchair-bound children with cerebral palsy. The program includes targeted exercises focusing on strengthening deep abdominal and trunk muscles through progressive, age-appropriate, and functional activities performed under physiotherapist supervision over a defined period. | Other | Core Stability Program |
| traditional PhysiotherapyParticipants in this arm will receive conventional physiotherapy focusing on improving abdominal endurance. The intervention will include exercises such as static and dynamic trunk strengthening, pelvic tilts, assisted sit-ups, breathing exercises, and postural control activities. Sessions will be conducted under the supervision of a trained physiotherapist, typically 3-5 times per week for a specified duration. The program aims to enhance core muscle strength, improve trunk stability, and support functional activities in wheelchair-bound children with cerebral palsy. | Other | traditional Physiotherapy |
Primary outcome
Change in Abdominal Muscle Endurance
Time frame: 3 months
Abdominal muscle endurance will be assessed to evaluate the effect of a core stability program in wheelchair-bound children with cerebral palsy. The Modified Curl-Up Test will be used. Participants perform as many correct curl-ups as possible in 1 minute with standardized form and positioning. Time Frame: Baseline and 3 months Measurement: Number of correctly performed curl-ups in 1 minute. Higher number indicates better outcome.
Change in Constipation Severity
Time frame: 3 months
Constipation severity will be assessed to evaluate the effect of a core stability program on bowel function in wheelchair-bound children with cerebral palsy. The Modified Bristol Stool Form Scale for Children [mBSFS-C] will be used. Parents/caregivers record stool type daily for 7 days. An average weekly score will be calculated. Time Frame: Baseline and 3 months Measurement: mBSFS-C score ranging from 1 to 7. Scores of 1-2 indicate constipation. Scores of 3-4 indicate normal stool form. Improvement toward scores of 3-4 indicates better outcome.
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 14 Aug 2026.
- Background: PubMed 30056415El Shemy SA. Trunk endurance and gait changes after core stability training in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2018;31(6):1159-1167. doi: 10.3233/BMR-181123.
- 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.
Javeria Azeem, MS PPT principal investigator
Riphah 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 Core Stability Program and traditional Physiotherapy in people with 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 10 inclusion and 6 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 14 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 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?
Change in Abdominal Muscle Endurance (time frame: 3 months). 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 NCT07764952, 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 14 Aug 2026.