Cerebral Palsy (CP)NCT07851701
Core Stability Exercises vs Hippotherapy for Spastic Cerebral Palsy
A study testing core stability exercises and hippotherapy in people with Cerebral Palsy (CP), run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Cerebral palsy is associated with impaired balance and trunk control, which affect functional mobility and independence. This randomized clinical trial compares the effects of core stability exercises versus hippotherapy, both combined with conventional physiotherapy, on balance and trunk control in children with… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 4 to 8 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Cerebral Palsy (CP)
- What is being tested?
- core stability exercises and hippotherapy
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 49 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Aug 2025to 30 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 4 to 8 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Children aged 4-8 years were included.
- Children diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy were included.
- Children classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Levels I-II were included.
- Children with adequate cognitive function, as assessed using the WeeFIM Cognitive Subscale, were included.
- Parents or legal guardians who provided written informed consent for participation were included
Who cannot join
- Children with severe cognitive impairment preventing them from understanding or following instructions were excluded.
- Children with uncontrolled seizures or other medical conditions contraindicating physical activity were excluded.
- Children with a history of orthopedic surgery or botulinum toxin (Botox) injections within the previous six months were excluded.
- Children with other neurological disorders or severe musculoskeletal deformities that could interfere with balance, trunk control, or participation in the intervention were excluded.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
Pakistan Society for Rehabilitation of Differently Abled (PSRD)
Lahore, Punjab Province
About this study
Official title: Effects of Core Stability Exercises Versus Hippotherapy on Balance and Trunk Control in Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is associated with impaired balance and trunk control, which affect functional mobility and independence. This randomized clinical trial compares the effects of core stability exercises versus hippotherapy, both combined with conventional physiotherapy, on balance and trunk control in children with spastic cerebral palsy. The findings aim to determine which intervention provides greater improvement in functional outcomes.
Read the detailed description
Cerebral palsy is one of the most common childhood neurological disorders and is characterized by impairments in posture, balance, trunk control, and motor function. These impairments reduce functional independence and participation in daily activities. Physiotherapy interventions such as core stability exercises and hippotherapy have been used to improve postural control and motor performance. However, evidence directly comparing these two interventions is limited, particularly in children with spastic cerebral palsy.
This randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare the effects of core stability exercises and hippotherapy on balance and trunk control in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A received core stability exercises with conventional physiotherapy, while Group B received hippotherapy with conventional physiotherapy. Both groups received treatment four sessions per week for six weeks. Balance and trunk control were assessed using standardized outcome measures before and after the intervention to determine the comparative effectiveness of both treatment approaches.
- Conditions
- Cerebral Palsy (CP)
- Being tested
- core stability exercises, hippotherapy
- Keywords
- spastic cerebral palsy, core stability exercises, hippotherapy, balance, trunk control, pediatric rehabilitation, physical 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.
core stability exercisesCombination product
Participants received hippotherapy combined with conventional physiotherapy for 6 weeks, 4 sessions per week, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes.
hippotherapyOther
Participants received hippotherapy combined with conventional physiotherapy for 6 weeks, 4 sessions per week, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| core stability exercises | Experimental | Participants received core stability exercises combined with conventional physiotherapy for 6 weeks, 4 sessions per week, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Receives: Combination Product: core stability exercises |
| hippotherapy | Active comparator | Participants received hippotherapy combined with conventional physiotherapy for 6 weeks, 4 sessions per week, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Receives: Other: hippotherapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS)
Changes from baseline in balance were assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). The PBS evaluates functional balance in children using 14 items. Higher scores indicate better balance.
Measured: 6 weeks
Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS)
Changes from baseline in trunk control were assessed using the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS). The TCMS evaluates static sitting balance, dynamic sitting balance, and dynamic reaching in children with cerebral palsy. Higher scores indicate better trunk control.
Measured: 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted1 Oct 2026
- Study start1 Aug 2025
- Primary completion31 Jan 2026
- Study completion30 Jun 2026
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
- 49 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Danish Hassan, PhD, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07851701
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/25/0229
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 26 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 1 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 1 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Core Stability Exercises Versus Hippotherapy on Balance and Trunk Control in Spastic Cerebral Palsy
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07851701
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/25/0229
- Conditions
- Cerebral Palsy (CP)
- Keywords
- spastic cerebral palsy, core stability exercises, hippotherapy, balance, trunk control, pediatric rehabilitation, physical therapy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 49 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Jun 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 1 Oct 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.
Cerebral palsy is associated with impaired balance and trunk control, which affect functional mobility and independence. This randomized clinical trial compares the effects of core stability exercises versus hippotherapy, both combined with conventional physiotherapy, on balance and trunk control in children with spastic cerebral palsy. The findings aim to determine which intervention provides greater improvement in functional outcomes.
Detailed description
Cerebral palsy is one of the most common childhood neurological disorders and is characterized by impairments in posture, balance, trunk control, and motor function. These impairments reduce functional independence and participation in daily activities. Physiotherapy interventions such as core stability exercises and hippotherapy have been used to improve postural control and motor performance. However, evidence directly comparing these two interventions is limited, particularly in children with spastic cerebral palsy.
This randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare the effects of core stability exercises and hippotherapy on balance and trunk control in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A received core stability exercises with conventional physiotherapy, while Group B received hippotherapy with conventional physiotherapy. Both groups received treatment four sessions per week for six weeks. Balance and trunk control were assessed using standardized outcome measures before and after the intervention to determine the comparative effectiveness of both treatment approaches.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| core stability exercises | Experimental | Combination Product: core stability exercisesParticipants received core stability exercises combined with conventional physiotherapy for 6 weeks, 4 sessions per week, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. |
| hippotherapy | Active comparator | Other: hippotherapyParticipants received hippotherapy combined with conventional physiotherapy for 6 weeks, 4 sessions per week, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 4 to 8 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Children aged 4-8 years were included.
- Children diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy were included.
- Children classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Levels I-II were included.
- Children with adequate cognitive function, as assessed using the WeeFIM Cognitive Subscale, were included.
- Parents or legal guardians who provided written informed consent for participation were included
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Children with severe cognitive impairment preventing them from understanding or following instructions were excluded.
- Children with uncontrolled seizures or other medical conditions contraindicating physical activity were excluded.
- Children with a history of orthopedic surgery or botulinum toxin (Botox) injections within the previous six months were excluded.
- Children with other neurological disorders or severe musculoskeletal deformities that could interfere with balance, trunk control, or participation in the intervention were excluded.
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 exercisesParticipants received hippotherapy combined with conventional physiotherapy for 6 weeks, 4 sessions per week, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. | Combination product | core stability exercises |
| hippotherapyParticipants received hippotherapy combined with conventional physiotherapy for 6 weeks, 4 sessions per week, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. | Other | hippotherapy |
Primary outcome
Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS)
Time frame: 6 weeks
Changes from baseline in balance were assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). The PBS evaluates functional balance in children using 14 items. Higher scores indicate better balance.
Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS)
Time frame: 6 weeks
Changes from baseline in trunk control were assessed using the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS). The TCMS evaluates static sitting balance, dynamic sitting balance, and dynamic reaching in children with cerebral palsy. Higher scores indicate better trunk control.
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 1 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Not yet recruiting
Ayres Sensory Integration Intervention for Children With Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Active, not recruiting
Virtual Reality Vs Postural Control Training in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Children With Hemiplegic cp
Enrolling by invitationObservational study
Intelligent Physiological Monitoring to Predict Preterm Brain Injury
Cerebral Palsy (CP), Intraventricular Hemorrhage Neonatal
Recruiting
Acceptability of Paediatric Wrist Orthoses Through Co-design
Cerebral Palsy (CP), Brain Injuries
Not yet recruiting
Concurrent tDCS for Chronic Pain in Adults With Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy (CP), Chronic Pain
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.
Danish Hassan, PhD 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 exercises and hippotherapy in people with Cerebral Palsy (CP), 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 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 1 Oct 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?
Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) (time frame: 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?
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 1 Oct 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 26 Oct 2026.