Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Versus Music Therapy in Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

Summary

This study will recruit eligible participants from the Physical Therapy Department of the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, obtain informed consent, and randomly assign them by lottery into two groups, with the assessor kept blinded. Group A will receive PNF combined with conventional physiotherapy, involving 20-30-minute sessions three times a week, beginning with a warm-up, followed by PNF techniques such as rhythmic initiation, hold-relax, and slow reversals, and ending with a cool-down to enhance muscle tone, flexibility, and motor control. Group B will receive music therapy along with conventional physiotherapy in 30-minute sessions three times a week, incorporating warm-up sensory regulation, rhythmic auditory stimulation, instrument play, movement-to-music activities, and vocal exercises, concluding with calming music for relaxation. The interventions aim to improve motor coordination, communication, and overall functional outcomes in children with cerebral palsy.

Conditions

• Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Interventions

OTHER

(PNF +Conventional physical therapy )

Participants in Group A (PNF Therapy) will receive a structured, minimized treatment plan focused on improving muscle tone, flexibility, and motor function while ensuring the sessions remain tolerable for children with CP. Each session, lasting 20-30 minutes, three times per week, will begin with a 5-minute warm-up, including passive stretching and light joint mobilization. The core intervention will consist of 15 minutes of PNF techniques, such as Rhythmic Initiation, where movements transition from passive to active-assisted, Hold-Relax techniques for reducing spasticity through isometric contractions followed by passive stretching, and Slow Reversals, alternating muscle contractions to improve control. Functional movement patterns with minimal resistance will be incorporated to encourage active participation. The session will conclude with a 5-minute cool-down, focusing on gentle stretching and relaxation techniques to promote comfort and prevent fatigue.

OTHER

Music Therapy + Conventional Physical Therapy

Conversely, participants in Group B (Music Therapy) will engage in 30-minute sessions, three times per week, designed to enhance motor coordination, communication, and emotional well-being through music-based interventions. Each session will start with a 5-10-minute warm-up, incorporating sensory regulation through soft background music, rhythmic swaying, and simple vocal exercises. The 25-minute core intervention will involve Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS), using rhythmic beats to improve movement control, instrumental play (e.g., drums, xylophone) to enhance upper limb coordination, and movement-to-music activities, such as reaching and stepping in sync with melodies. Additionally, vocal and speech exercises will be incorporated to improve breath control and verbal communication. Sessions will end with a 5-minute cool-down, featuring calming music and gentle tactile stimulation to help the child relax.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Lahore

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Waqar Ul Hassan, MS-MSK · University of Lahore

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

6 Years

Max Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-09-25

Primary Completion

2026-02-25

Completion

2026-03-20

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations