Massage tool shows promise for improving gait in kids with CP
NCT ID NCT07289386
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a technique called instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) — using a special tool to massage muscles — could improve walking in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Thirty children aged 5 to 8 took part; half received IASTM plus standard physical therapy, and half received only physical therapy. After six weeks, researchers measured changes in joint movement during walking.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) therapy
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple, non-drug way to improve walking and flexibility in children with cerebral palsy.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early study with only 30 children, so results may not apply to everyone. The improvement measured was in joint angles, not necessarily in everyday walking ability.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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30 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Mar 2024
- Finished
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Dec 2024
- 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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5 to 8 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: * Children aged from 5 to 8 years old. * spasticity ranged from 1 to 1+, according to Modified Ashworth Scale * Children at level II according to Gross Motor Function Classification System * They achieved independent walking with or without assistive device * able to follow instructions and understand commands. Exclusion criteria: * Fixed muscle contractures or fixed bone deformities in the lower limb. * Botox injection for the last six months. * Orthopedic surgeries for the last year. * Children with infectious diseases. * Skin infection, seizures, and any lower limb soft tissue injury.
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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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Faculty of Physical Therapy
Giza, Egypt
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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