Assessment of Trunk Position Sense, Trunk Control, and Functional Independence in Children With Cerebral Palsy

NCT ID: NCT07347483

Last Updated: 2026-01-16

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Total Enrollment: 78 participants
• Study Classification: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2022-01-01
• Study Completion Date: 2023-12-31

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a difference in trunk proprioception, as assessed by trunk position sense, in children with unilateral and bilateral spastic cerebral palsy, and to evaluate the relationship between trunk position sense, trunk control, and functional independence.

Detailed Description

This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted in children with unilateral and bilateral spastic cerebral palsy aged between 6 and 12 years. A total of 78 children (36 girls and 42 boys) with spastic cerebral palsy were included in the study. The gross motor function levels of the participants ranged from Level I to Level IV according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).

Participants were recruited from children receiving education and rehabilitation services at special education and rehabilitation centers in Kayseri, Turkiye, and only children whose parents or legal guardians provided written informed consent were included.

Demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants were recorded using a structured sociodemographic data form.

Trunk position sense was assessed using a dual inclinometer device to evaluate trunk proprioception. Trunk control was evaluated using the Trunk Impairment Scale, and functional independence was assessed using the motor subscale of the Pediatric Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM). In addition, muscle tone was assessed bilaterally using the Modified Ashworth Scale.

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy

Study Design

• Observational Model Type: CASE_ONLY
• Study Time Perspective: CROSS_SECTIONAL

Study Groups

Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Only measurements were taken.

Intervention Type: OTHER

This study does not contain any intervention.

Interventions

Only measurements were taken.

This study does not contain any intervention.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Have a diagnosis of unilateral or bilateral spastic cerebral palsy,
• Are aged between 6 and 12 years,
• Are able to sit independently,
• Have a cognitive level sufficient to understand and follow verbal instructions,
• Have not undergone surgical intervention or Botulinum Toxin A injection within the last 6 months,
• Have parents or legal guardians who have provided written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria

• Have received Botulinum Toxin or intrathecal baclofen treatment within the last 6 months,
• Have a history of pelvic, spinal, or upper extremity surgery,
• Have severe visual or hearing impairments,
• Have cognitive impairments preventing effective communication,
• Are unable to sit independently,
• Do not have parental consent.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 6 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 12 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Cumhuriyet University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Selvin BALKİ

Assoc. prof. Dr

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

Selvin Balki, Assoc. prof. Dr

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Cumhuriyet University

Locations

Sivas Cumhuriyet University

Sivas, , Turkey (Türkiye)

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Other Identifiers

SCU-FTR-SB-04

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id