Spastic Cerebral PalsyNCT07921147
Telerehabilitation Compared With Clinic-Based Physiotherapy in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy
A study testing Structured Telerehabilitation Program and Clinic-Based Physiotherapy Program in people with Spastic Cerebral Palsy, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial will compare structured telerehabilitation with clinic-based physiotherapy in children aged 4-12 years with spastic cerebral palsy. Both groups will receive physiotherapy three times per week for 12 weeks. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 4 to 12 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Spastic Cerebral Palsy
- What is being tested?
- Structured Telerehabilitation Program and Clinic-Based Physiotherapy Program
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 44 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 21 Oct 2026to 12 Apr 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 aged 4-12 years diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy.
- Children classified at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-III.
- Medically stable children able to participate in physiotherapy sessions.
- Availability of caregiver support and internet access sufficient to participate in telerehabilitation sessions.
- Written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian.
Who cannot join
- Children without adequate internet access or caregiver support required for telerehabilitation.
- Children with uncontrolled seizures or severe comorbidities that interfere with safe participation in physiotherapy.
- Children classified at GMFCS levels IV-V.
- Children who have undergone orthopedic surgery or received botulinum toxin injections within the preceding 6 months.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Health and wellness physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre shewa adda swabi
Swābi, Kpk, 23430
About this study
Official title: Effectiveness of Structured Telerehabilitation Compared With Clinic-Based Physiotherapy for Improving Gross Motor Functions in Young Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy
This randomized controlled trial will compare structured telerehabilitation with clinic-based physiotherapy in children aged 4-12 years with spastic cerebral palsy. Both groups will receive physiotherapy three times per week for 12 weeks. The study will evaluate changes in gross motor function using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88), assess spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and examine the usability of telerehabilitation using the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ). The study aims to determine whether structured telerehabilitation can provide an effective alternative to clinic-based physiotherapy while potentially reducing barriers related to travel, cost, and access to pediatric rehabilitation services.
Read the detailed description
The primary objective of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the effectiveness of structured telerehabilitation and clinic-based physiotherapy in improving gross motor functions among children aged 4-12 years with spastic cerebral palsy classified at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-III. A secondary objective is to assess the usability of structured telerehabilitation using the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ). A total of 44 participants will be randomly allocated to two groups, with 22 participants in each group. Both groups will receive physiotherapy three times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Gross motor function will be assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), while spasticity will be evaluated using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Assessments will be conducted at baseline, six weeks, and 12 weeks to monitor changes during the intervention period. The study will determine whether structured telerehabilitation can provide comparable improvements in gross motor function to clinic-based physiotherapy and evaluate its usability as an alternative approach to delivering pediatric rehabilitation services.
- Conditions
- Spastic Cerebral Palsy
- Being tested
- Structured Telerehabilitation Program, Clinic-Based Physiotherapy Program
- Keywords
- Spastic Cerebral Palsy, Telerehabilitation, Clinic-Based Physiotherapy, Gross Motor Function, Pediatric Rehabilitation, Randomized Controlled Trial, GMFM-88, Telehealth Usability
- Medical subject headings
- Cerebral Palsy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Structured Telerehabilitation ProgramBehavioural
A structured physiotherapy program delivered remotely through video communication under physiotherapist guidance, with caregiver assistance. The program will be conducted three times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Exercises will include stretching, range-of-motion exercises, strengthening, balance training, functional mobility, postural control, and coordination activities tailored to the child's functional abilities.
Clinic-Based Physiotherapy ProgramBehavioural
A structured physiotherapy program delivered in a clinical setting under direct physiotherapist supervision. The program will be conducted three times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Exercises will include stretching, range-of-motion exercises, strengthening, balance training, functional mobility, postural control, and coordination activities tailored to the child's functional abilities.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Structured Telerehabilitation | Experimental | Participants will receive a structured physiotherapy program remotely through video communication, three times per week for 12 weeks, with approximately 45 minutes per session. Receives: Behavioral: Structured Telerehabilitation Program |
| Clinic-Based Physiotherapy | Active comparator | Participants will receive a structured physiotherapy program in a clinical setting under direct physiotherapist supervision, three times per week for 12 weeks, with approximately 45 minutes per session. Receives: Behavioral: Clinic-Based Physiotherapy Program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) Score
Gross motor function will be assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), a standardized tool used to evaluate motor abilities in children with cerebral palsy across five dimensions: lying and rolling, sitting, crawling and kneeling, standing, and walking, running, and jumping. Changes in GMFM-88 scores from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention will be compared between the structured telerehabilitation and clinic-based physiotherapy groups.
Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after the start of the intervention.
Secondary outcomes (2)
Change in Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) Scores
Spasticity will be assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), which measures resistance to passive movement during clinical examination. Changes in MAS scores from baseline to the end of the intervention will be compared between the two study groups.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks after the start of the intervention.
Usability of the Structured Telerehabilitation Program
The usability of the structured telerehabilitation program will be assessed using the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ) at the end of the intervention. The questionnaire will evaluate caregivers' perceptions of the usability and acceptability of the telerehabilitation approach.
Measured: At the end of the 12-week intervention.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Nov 2026
- Study start21 Oct 2026
- Primary completion5 Apr 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion12 Apr 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (5)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Spastic 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
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 44 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Bacha Khan Medical College
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Zobia Naeem, MS, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07921147
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Adan Nisar
- Status last verified
- Nov 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Nov 2026
- Last updated
- 6 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
İlhanlı M, İlhanlı İ, Çelenk P. Cerebral palsy and oral health. Deneysel ve Klinik Tıp Dergisi. 2022;39(4):1283-93.
Gong C, Liu X, Fang L, Liu A, Lian B, Qi X, Chen S, Li H, Zhao M, Guo J, Zhou S. Prevalence of cerebral palsy comorbidities in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neurol. 2023 Sep 28;14:1233700. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1233700. eCollection 2023.
PubMed 37840931Novak I, Morgan C, Adde L, Blackman J, Boyd RN, Brunstrom-Hernandez J, Cioni G, Damiano D, Darrah J, Eliasson AC, de Vries LS, Einspieler C, Fahey M, Fehlings D, Ferriero DM, Fetters L, Fiori S, Forssberg H, Gordon AM, Greaves S, Guzzetta A, Hadders-Algra M, Harbourne R, Kakooza-Mwesige A, Karlsson P, Krumlinde-Sundholm L, Latal B, Loughran-Fowlds A, Maitre N, McIntyre S, Noritz G, Pennington L, Romeo DM, Shepherd R, Spittle AJ, Thornton M, Valentine J, Walker K, White R, Badawi N. Early, Accurate Diagnosis and Early Intervention in Cerebral Palsy: Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment. JAMA Pediatr. 2017 Sep 1;171(9):897-907. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.1689.
PubMed 28715518Novak I, Morgan C, Fahey M, Finch-Edmondson M, Galea C, Hines A, Langdon K, Namara MM, Paton MC, Popat H, Shore B, Khamis A, Stanton E, Finemore OP, Tricks A, Te Velde A, Dark L, Morton N, Badawi N. State of the Evidence Traffic Lights 2019: Systematic Review of Interventions for Preventing and Treating Children with Cerebral Palsy. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2020 Feb 21;20(2):3. doi: 10.1007/s11910-020-1022-z.
PubMed 32086598Morgan C, Fetters L, Adde L, Badawi N, Bancale A, Boyd RN, Chorna O, Cioni G, Damiano DL, Darrah J, de Vries LS, Dusing S, Einspieler C, Eliasson AC, Ferriero D, Fehlings D, Forssberg H, Gordon AM, Greaves S, Guzzetta A, Hadders-Algra M, Harbourne R, Karlsson P, Krumlinde-Sundholm L, Latal B, Loughran-Fowlds A, Mak C, Maitre N, McIntyre S, Mei C, Morgan A, Kakooza-Mwesige A, Romeo DM, Sanchez K, Spittle A, Shepherd R, Thornton M, Valentine J, Ward R, Whittingham K, Zamany A, Novak I. Early Intervention for Children Aged 0 to 2 Years With or at High Risk of Cerebral Palsy: International Clinical Practice Guideline Based on Systematic Reviews. JAMA Pediatr. 2021 Aug 1;175(8):846-858. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.0878.
PubMed 33999106
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effectiveness of Structured Telerehabilitation Compared With Clinic-Based Physiotherapy for Improving Gross Motor Functions in Young Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07921147
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Adan Nisar
- Conditions
- Spastic Cerebral Palsy
- Keywords
- Spastic Cerebral Palsy, Telerehabilitation, Clinic-Based Physiotherapy, Gross Motor Function, Pediatric Rehabilitation, Randomized Controlled Trial, GMFM-88, Telehealth Usability
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 44 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Bacha Khan Medical College
- Study start
- 21 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 5 Apr 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 12 Apr 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 6 Nov 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 randomized controlled trial will compare structured telerehabilitation with clinic-based physiotherapy in children aged 4-12 years with spastic cerebral palsy. Both groups will receive physiotherapy three times per week for 12 weeks. The study will evaluate changes in gross motor function using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88), assess spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and examine the usability of telerehabilitation using the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ). The study aims to determine whether structured telerehabilitation can provide an effective alternative to clinic-based physiotherapy while potentially reducing barriers related to travel, cost, and access to pediatric rehabilitation services.
Detailed description
The primary objective of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the effectiveness of structured telerehabilitation and clinic-based physiotherapy in improving gross motor functions among children aged 4-12 years with spastic cerebral palsy classified at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-III. A secondary objective is to assess the usability of structured telerehabilitation using the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ). A total of 44 participants will be randomly allocated to two groups, with 22 participants in each group. Both groups will receive physiotherapy three times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Gross motor function will be assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), while spasticity will be evaluated using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Assessments will be conducted at baseline, six weeks, and 12 weeks to monitor changes during the intervention period. The study will determine whether structured telerehabilitation can provide comparable improvements in gross motor function to clinic-based physiotherapy and evaluate its usability as an alternative approach to delivering pediatric rehabilitation services.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Structured Telerehabilitation | Experimental | Behavioral: Structured Telerehabilitation ProgramParticipants will receive a structured physiotherapy program remotely through video communication, three times per week for 12 weeks, with approximately 45 minutes per session. |
| Clinic-Based Physiotherapy | Active comparator | Behavioral: Clinic-Based Physiotherapy ProgramParticipants will receive a structured physiotherapy program in a clinical setting under direct physiotherapist supervision, three times per week for 12 weeks, with approximately 45 minutes per session. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 4 to 12 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Children aged 4-12 years diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy.
- Children classified at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-III.
- Medically stable children able to participate in physiotherapy sessions.
- Availability of caregiver support and internet access sufficient to participate in telerehabilitation sessions.
- Written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Children without adequate internet access or caregiver support required for telerehabilitation.
- Children with uncontrolled seizures or severe comorbidities that interfere with safe participation in physiotherapy.
- Children classified at GMFCS levels IV-V.
- Children who have undergone orthopedic surgery or received botulinum toxin injections within the preceding 6 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Structured Telerehabilitation ProgramA structured physiotherapy program delivered remotely through video communication under physiotherapist guidance, with caregiver assistance. The program will be conducted three times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Exercises will include stretching, range-of-motion exercises, strengthening, balance training, functional mobility, postural control, and coordination activities tailored to the child's functional abilities. | Behavioural | Structured Telerehabilitation |
| Clinic-Based Physiotherapy ProgramA structured physiotherapy program delivered in a clinical setting under direct physiotherapist supervision. The program will be conducted three times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Exercises will include stretching, range-of-motion exercises, strengthening, balance training, functional mobility, postural control, and coordination activities tailored to the child's functional abilities. | Behavioural | Clinic-Based Physiotherapy |
Primary outcome
Change in Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) Score
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after the start of the intervention.
Gross motor function will be assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), a standardized tool used to evaluate motor abilities in children with cerebral palsy across five dimensions: lying and rolling, sitting, crawling and kneeling, standing, and walking, running, and jumping. Changes in GMFM-88 scores from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention will be compared between the structured telerehabilitation and clinic-based physiotherapy groups.
2 secondary outcomes
Change in Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) Scores
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks after the start of the intervention.
Usability of the Structured Telerehabilitation Program
Time frame: At the end of the 12-week intervention.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 6 Nov 2026.
- Backgroundİlhanlı M, İlhanlı İ, Çelenk P. Cerebral palsy and oral health. Deneysel ve Klinik Tıp Dergisi. 2022;39(4):1283-93.
- Background: PubMed 37840931Gong C, Liu X, Fang L, Liu A, Lian B, Qi X, Chen S, Li H, Zhao M, Guo J, Zhou S. Prevalence of cerebral palsy comorbidities in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neurol. 2023 Sep 28;14:1233700. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1233700. eCollection 2023.
- Background: PubMed 28715518Novak I, Morgan C, Adde L, Blackman J, Boyd RN, Brunstrom-Hernandez J, Cioni G, Damiano D, Darrah J, Eliasson AC, de Vries LS, Einspieler C, Fahey M, Fehlings D, Ferriero DM, Fetters L, Fiori S, Forssberg H, Gordon AM, Greaves S, Guzzetta A, Hadders-Algra M, Harbourne R, Kakooza-Mwesige A, Karlsson P, Krumlinde-Sundholm L, Latal B, Loughran-Fowlds A, Maitre N, McIntyre S, Noritz G, Pennington L, Romeo DM, Shepherd R, Spittle AJ, Thornton M, Valentine J, Walker K, White R, Badawi N. Early, Accurate Diagnosis and Early Intervention in Cerebral Palsy: Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment. JAMA Pediatr. 2017 Sep 1;171(9):897-907. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.1689.
- Background: PubMed 32086598Novak I, Morgan C, Fahey M, Finch-Edmondson M, Galea C, Hines A, Langdon K, Namara MM, Paton MC, Popat H, Shore B, Khamis A, Stanton E, Finemore OP, Tricks A, Te Velde A, Dark L, Morton N, Badawi N. State of the Evidence Traffic Lights 2019: Systematic Review of Interventions for Preventing and Treating Children with Cerebral Palsy. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2020 Feb 21;20(2):3. doi: 10.1007/s11910-020-1022-z.
- Background: PubMed 33999106Morgan C, Fetters L, Adde L, Badawi N, Bancale A, Boyd RN, Chorna O, Cioni G, Damiano DL, Darrah J, de Vries LS, Dusing S, Einspieler C, Eliasson AC, Ferriero D, Fehlings D, Forssberg H, Gordon AM, Greaves S, Guzzetta A, Hadders-Algra M, Harbourne R, Karlsson P, Krumlinde-Sundholm L, Latal B, Loughran-Fowlds A, Mak C, Maitre N, McIntyre S, Mei C, Morgan A, Kakooza-Mwesige A, Romeo DM, Sanchez K, Spittle A, Shepherd R, Thornton M, Valentine J, Ward R, Whittingham K, Zamany A, Novak I. Early Intervention for Children Aged 0 to 2 Years With or at High Risk of Cerebral Palsy: International Clinical Practice Guideline Based on Systematic Reviews. JAMA Pediatr. 2021 Aug 1;175(8):846-858. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.0878.
- 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.
Zobia Naeem, MS 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 Structured Telerehabilitation Program and Clinic-Based Physiotherapy Program in people with Spastic 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 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Nov 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Zahoor Dr. Zahoor Ahmed, Phd (+92 315 6767569, Zahoor_riphah@hotmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) Score (time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after the start of the intervention.). 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 NCT07921147, which also lists 5 linked publications.
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 6 Nov 2026.