Diplegic Cerebral PalsyNCT07854054
Comparative Effects of Pilates Exercises and Swiss Ball Exercises in Diplegic Cerebral Palsy.
A study testing Pilates Exercise Training and Swiss Ball Exercise Training in people with Diplegic Cerebral Palsy, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study will compare the effects of pilates exercise and swiss ball training on trunk control, balance and gait in children with diplegic cerebral palsy. This study will be a randomized clinical trial including 62 participants, who will be allocated into two groups. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 7 to 14 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Diplegic Cerebral Palsy
- What is being tested?
- Pilates Exercise Training and Swiss Ball Exercise Training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 62 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Jun 2025to 6 Aug 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 7 to 14 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- • Aged between 7 and 14 years old both male and female
- Children diagnosed with diplegic cerebral palsy will be recruited.
- Able to perform sit-to-stand task and walking with or without assistance having full range of motion. Children with GMFCS Level I, II and III Because they all have some level of walking ability, even if they need assistance (like a Walker or Crutches).
- Children who have score above 45 on Pediatric Berg Balance Scale will be recruited.
- The children were cognitively qualified and capable of understanding and following instructions and having less than 24 score on mini mental state examination.
Who cannot join
- • Patients with fixed contracture.
- Spinal or limb malformations.
- Visual or respiratory disorders.
- Injection of botulinum toxin into the lower limb muscles during the previous 6 months were all excluded.
- Children with GMFCS Level IV and V because they cannot walk independently or even with assistive devices. They depend on powered or manual wheelchair.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Pilates Exercise and Swiss Ball Training on Trunk Control, Balance and Gait in Children With Diplegic Cerebral Palsy.
This study will compare the effects of pilates exercise and swiss ball training on trunk control, balance and gait in children with diplegic cerebral palsy. This study will be a randomized clinical trial including 62 participants, who will be allocated into two groups. Both groups will receive their respective interventions thrice a week for 12 weeks. The participants will be evaluated at the start and end of the exercise program through The Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS), Pediatric Berg Balance measurement (PBBM), Pediatric Reach Test (PRT) and Observational Gait Scale (OGS) will be used to assess the effect of this intervention on trunk control, balance and gait.
Read the detailed description
A non-progressive neurodevelopmental condition, cerebral palsy (CP) is characterized by abnormal brain development or damage that impairs posture and mobility. It is one of the most common motor disabilities that children experience and its frequency varies from 1.5 to more than 4 per 1000 live births worldwide. The most detrimental gross motor functions (GMFs) that impair independence in CP patients include balance, trunk control, and changes in gait. A training method called Pilates Core Strengthening (PsCS) aims to improve muscular strength, flexibility, and endurance while preserving the integrity of the spine. Children with cerebral palsy benefit more from Pilates exercises when it comes to developing their gross motor skills and balance. Therefore, it may be utilized as a rehabilitation method for cerebral palsy children with high functional levels and modest motor abnormalities, particularly if the objective is to enhance postural posture and muscular strength when standing. The Swiss ball facilitates trunk muscle activity, which promotes healthy trunk muscular movement. Many physiotherapists use a special therapy tool, such as a Swiss ball, to help patients with their trunk stability and balance. This method increases functional stability, strengthens the core muscles, and boosts motor coordination. Research indicates that training with Swiss balls improves balance and trunk control. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of both interventions to provide valuable insights into the most effective one for enhancing the quality of life and functional abilities for patients with cerebral palsy
- Conditions
- Diplegic Cerebral Palsy
- Being tested
- Pilates Exercise Training, Swiss Ball Exercise Training
- Keywords
- Cerebral Palsy, Pilates Core Strengthening Exercise, Swiss Ball Exercise, Balance, Gait, Trunk Control
- Medical subject headings
- Cerebral Palsy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Pilates Exercise TrainingOther
Also called PSCS, Pilates Core Strengthening Exercise
Pilates Exercise Training Pilates Exercise Training Group Participants in this arm will receive prone bridge, shoulder bridge, unilateral shoulder bridge, side bridge, hundreds, leg pull supine, mermaid side stretch, and side laying clam. These exercises will be progressed over 12 weeks, with increasing sets and repetitions. Each session will begin with a 5-minute warm-up and end with a 5-minute cooldown. Treatment will be supervised by a physiotherapist, and outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks
Swiss Ball Exercise TrainingOther
Also called GYM Ball exercises
Swiss Ball Exercise Participants in this arm will receive seated positioning, diagonal movement, trunk rotation, hip flexion and extension, lifting buttocks, weight shifting, prone arm extension, and rolling to sit. These exercises will also be progressed over 12 weeks, with increasing sets and repetitions. Modifications and considerations will be made to ensure the child's safety and individual needs. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Pilates Exercise Training Group | Experimental | Pilates Exercise Training Group Participants will receive pilates exercise training over 12 weeks, with increasing sets and repetitions. Each session will begin with a 5-minute warm-up and end with a 5-minute cooldown. Outcome will be assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Receives: Other: Pilates Exercise Training |
| Swiss Ball Exercise Training | Active comparator | Swiss Ball Exercise Group Participants will receive swiss ball exercises for 12 weeks, with increasing sets and repetitions.
After this, go to Interventions and add Pilates Exercise and Swiss Ball Training, then assign each intervention to its matching arm. Receives: Other: Swiss Ball Exercise Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Trunk Control
Assessed using the Trunk Control Measurement Scale
Measured: [Time Frame: Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention]
Secondary outcomes (2)
Balance
Assessed using the Pediatric Reach Test
Measured: [Time Frame: Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention]
Gait
Assessed using the Observational Gait Scale
Measured: [Time Frame: Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention]
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Oct 2026
- Study start1 Jun 2025
- Primary completion6 Jul 2026
- Study completion6 Aug 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Diplegic 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
- Participants will be randomly allocated into two equal groups: Pilates Exercise Training Group and Swiss Ball Exercise Group.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 62 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Fatima Tariq, Principal investigator, Riphah International University Role
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07854054
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- KANWAL MEER
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 27 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: The individual participant data sharing plan has not yet been finalized.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Pilates Exercise and Swiss Ball Training on Trunk Control, Balance and Gait in Children With Diplegic Cerebral Palsy.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07854054
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- KANWAL MEER
- Conditions
- Diplegic Cerebral Palsy
- Keywords
- Cerebral Palsy, Pilates Core Strengthening Exercise, Swiss Ball Exercise, Balance, Gait, Trunk Control
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 62 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 6 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 6 Aug 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 2 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.
This study will compare the effects of pilates exercise and swiss ball training on trunk control, balance and gait in children with diplegic cerebral palsy. This study will be a randomized clinical trial including 62 participants, who will be allocated into two groups. Both groups will receive their respective interventions thrice a week for 12 weeks. The participants will be evaluated at the start and end of the exercise program through The Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS), Pediatric Berg Balance measurement (PBBM), Pediatric Reach Test (PRT) and Observational Gait Scale (OGS) will be used to assess the effect of this intervention on trunk control, balance and gait.
Detailed description
A non-progressive neurodevelopmental condition, cerebral palsy (CP) is characterized by abnormal brain development or damage that impairs posture and mobility. It is one of the most common motor disabilities that children experience and its frequency varies from 1.5 to more than 4 per 1000 live births worldwide. The most detrimental gross motor functions (GMFs) that impair independence in CP patients include balance, trunk control, and changes in gait. A training method called Pilates Core Strengthening (PsCS) aims to improve muscular strength, flexibility, and endurance while preserving the integrity of the spine. Children with cerebral palsy benefit more from Pilates exercises when it comes to developing their gross motor skills and balance. Therefore, it may be utilized as a rehabilitation method for cerebral palsy children with high functional levels and modest motor abnormalities, particularly if the objective is to enhance postural posture and muscular strength when standing. The Swiss ball facilitates trunk muscle activity, which promotes healthy trunk muscular movement. Many physiotherapists use a special therapy tool, such as a Swiss ball, to help patients with their trunk stability and balance. This method increases functional stability, strengthens the core muscles, and boosts motor coordination. Research indicates that training with Swiss balls improves balance and trunk control. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of both interventions to provide valuable insights into the most effective one for enhancing the quality of life and functional abilities for patients with cerebral palsy
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 allocated into two equal groups: Pilates Exercise Training Group and Swiss Ball Exercise Group.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Pilates Exercise Training Group | Experimental | Other: Pilates Exercise TrainingPilates Exercise Training Group Participants will receive pilates exercise training over 12 weeks, with increasing sets and repetitions. Each session will begin with a 5-minute warm-up and end with a 5-minute cooldown. Outcome will be assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. |
| Swiss Ball Exercise Training | Active comparator | Other: Swiss Ball Exercise TrainingSwiss Ball Exercise Group Participants will receive swiss ball exercises for 12 weeks, with increasing sets and repetitions. After this, go to Interventions and add Pilates Exercise and Swiss Ball Training, then assign each intervention to its matching arm. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 7 to 14 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- • Aged between 7 and 14 years old both male and female
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- • Patients with fixed contracture.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pilates Exercise TrainingAlso: PSCS, Pilates Core Strengthening ExercisePilates Exercise Training Pilates Exercise Training Group Participants in this arm will receive prone bridge, shoulder bridge, unilateral shoulder bridge, side bridge, hundreds, leg pull supine, mermaid side stretch, and side laying clam. These exercises will be progressed over 12 weeks, with increasing sets and repetitions. Each session will begin with a 5-minute warm-up and end with a 5-minute cooldown. Treatment will be supervised by a physiotherapist, and outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks | Other | Pilates Exercise Training Group |
| Swiss Ball Exercise TrainingAlso: GYM Ball exercisesSwiss Ball Exercise Participants in this arm will receive seated positioning, diagonal movement, trunk rotation, hip flexion and extension, lifting buttocks, weight shifting, prone arm extension, and rolling to sit. These exercises will also be progressed over 12 weeks, with increasing sets and repetitions. Modifications and considerations will be made to ensure the child's safety and individual needs. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. | Other | Swiss Ball Exercise Training |
Primary outcome
Trunk Control
Time frame: [Time Frame: Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention]
Assessed using the Trunk Control Measurement Scale
2 secondary outcomes
Balance
Time frame: [Time Frame: Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention]
Gait
Time frame: [Time Frame: Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention]
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 2 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. The individual participant data sharing plan has not yet been finalized.
Related trials for Diplegic Cerebral Palsy
Recruiting
Additional Effects on tDCS With AOT on Lower Limb Functions on Children With Diplegic CP
Diplegic Cerebral Palsy
Recruiting
Short-Term Effects of Manual Therapy Prior to Neuromotor Therapy in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy (CP), Unilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Not yet recruiting
Dual-Task Training in Children With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy
Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy
Not yet recruitingObservational study
Sleep Quality, Caregiver Burden, Stress, and Self-Efficacy in Parents of Children With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Comparison by Night Orthosis Use
Cerebral Palsy, Sleep Disorders
Recruiting
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined With Virtual Reality on Gait and Self-Esteem in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy
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.
Fatima Tariq principal investigator
Riphah International University Role
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Pilates Exercise Training and Swiss Ball Exercise Training in people with Diplegic 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 5 inclusion and 5 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 2 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?
Trunk Control (time frame: [Time Frame: Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention]). 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 2 Oct 2026.