MedTrace Logo

Effects of VOJTA Technique on Ataxic Cerebral Palsy.

NCT07291128 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 40

Last updated 2025-12-30

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Ataxic cerebral palsy (CP) is the least common subtype of CP and it is primarily caused by cerebellar damage that results in hypotonia, impaired balance, poor coordination, tremors, wide-based gait, and significant difficulties in trunk stability and uncontrolled movements. These impairments greatly affect functional mobility and independence in life. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of VOJTA therapy on muscle tone, gross motor function, and postural control in children with ataxic CP aged 2-6 years. VOJTA therapy is based on reflex locomotion, which activates innate central motor programs by stimulating specific pressure zones in defined positions, potentially improving postural alignment and coordinated muscle activation. A total of 40 children will be randomly assigned to either the VOJTA therapy group or a conventional physiotherapy group. Both groups will receive total of 5 sessions per week for 8 weeks and the Outcomes will be measured at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) for muscle tone, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) for gross motor function and Pediatric balance scale for for balance. This study hypothesizes that VOJTA therapy will produce greater improvements in muscle tone, gross motor function and balance as compared to conventional physical therapy techniques. Findings may support evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for ataxic CP and contribute to improved functional independence and quality of life in this understudied population.

Conditions

  • Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

VOJTA

VOJTA therapy will be administered by a physiotherapist. The intervention involves mechanical stimulation of defined reflex zones located on the trunk and limbs while the child is in prone, supine, or side-lying postures. Stimulation elicits automatic reflex creeping or reflex rolling patterns that enhance trunk activation, postural control, coordination, and normalization of muscle tone. Treatment follows the standardized VOJTA protocol, applying precise direction, pressure, and duration of stimulation. The frequency will be 5 sessions per week for 8 weeks with duration of 30 minutes.

BEHAVIORAL

Conventional Physical Therapy

Conventional physiotherapy includes evidence-based approaches commonly applied for cerebral palsy rehabilitation. This may include NDT/Bobath principles, balance and postural stability exercises, core strengthening, stretching, functional mobility training, and sensory-motor facilitation. No VOJTA stimulation will be used. All participants follow a standardized treatment protocol to ensure consistency. The frequency will be 5 sessions per week for 8 weeks with duration of 30 minutes.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
2 Years
Max Age
6 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-12-08
Primary Completion
2026-05-31
Completion
2026-05-31

Countries

  • Pakistan

Study Locations

More Related Trials

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07291128 on ClinicalTrials.gov