Core strength: a new hope for constipation in kids with cerebral palsy?
NCT ID NCT07764952
First seen Aug 14, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026
Summary
This trial tests whether a structured core stability program can improve abdominal endurance and reduce constipation in wheelchair-bound children with cerebral palsy. Participants, aged 6-12, will be randomly assigned to either the core program or traditional physiotherapy. Over three months, researchers will measure changes in abdominal muscle endurance and constipation severity using standardized tests. The goal is to see if targeted core exercises can offer a non-invasive way to enhance bowel function and overall well-being in this population.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Core Stability Program
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this program could offer a non-drug way to improve abdominal strength and reduce constipation in children with cerebral palsy, potentially enhancing their comfort and quality of life.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 26 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The exercises may not significantly improve constipation, and there is a risk of muscle strain or discomfort.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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26 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Apr 2026
- Finished
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Jun 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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6 to 12 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 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 * 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 Exclusion Criteria: * 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 .
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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CLC
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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