A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial of an Online Exercise Programme for Adults With Cerebral Palsy

Summary

Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) often face challenges in accessing exercise programmes that are appropriate for their needs. Barriers such as limited mobility, a lack of tailored options, and restricted access to physiotherapy services can make participation difficult. Exercise is important for improving physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. However, many adults with CP do not have regular opportunities to take part in structured physical activity. This study aims to investigate whether an online exercise programme can serve as an effective and accessible alternative.

The main aim of the study is to assess the feasibility of delivering an online exercise programme for adults with CP. Key areas of focus will include demand, implementation, practicality, adaptability, acceptability, and potential benefits to physical, mental, and social well-being.

A total of 60 adults with CP will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups (30 participants per group). One group will complete an 8-week online exercise and education programme. The second group will receive the same educational materials during the study and will be provided with information about the home exercise programme after the 8-week intervention period. Data will be collected on attendance, completion rates, engagement with exercises, and any reported adverse events. Health-related surveys will be completed before and after the programme to assess any changes. In addition, a selected group of participants from the intervention group will take part in interviews to provide feedback on their experiences.

Findings from this study may support the development of accessible, effective, and person-centred online exercise programmes for adults with CP. Results may help improve future programme design and contribute to better care and support for adults with CP in Ireland.

Conditions

• Cerebral Palsy
• Exercise
• Adults
• Fitness

Interventions

OTHER

Exercise and education programme

Participants will complete 8-week online exercise programme consisting of an online exercise class once per week. The exercises will target improving strength, balance and range of movement. In addition, participants will receive educational materials on exercise, nutrition, walking changes, fatigue, optimizing bone health, pain management, mental health, sleep and physical activity maintenance.

OTHER

control group

The control group will receive educational materials over 8 weeks

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Jennifer M Ryan, PhD · Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-07-25

Primary Completion

2026-02-28

Completion

2026-08-31

Countries

• Ireland

Study Locations