NCT04630392 · Georgia State University
Effects of Treadmill Training and Whole-body Vibration in Children With Cerebral Palsy
What this study is about
Whole-body vibration (WBV) and treadmill training (TT) are commonly-utilized rehabilitation interventions for children with neuromotor disorders. WBV has been shown in the literature to positively affect gait and lower body spasticity in this population. However, the effects of a single session of WBV are generally transient, lasting between ten minutes and two hours.
View original scientific description
Whole-body vibration (WBV) and treadmill training (TT) are commonly-utilized rehabilitation interventions for children with neuromotor disorders. WBV has been shown in the literature to positively affect gait and lower body spasticity in this population. However, the effects of a single session of WBV are generally transient, lasting between ten minutes and two hours. Thus, it may be necessary to combine WBV with another intervention to reinforce improved movement patterns and maximize its potential benefits. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the addition of a single bout of WBV to a single bout of TT on the lower extremity spasticity and gait parameters of ambulatory children with CP.
Interventions
OTHER
Treadmill Training
Ten minutes of treadmill walking at 110% self-selected overground walking speed
OTHER
Whole Body Vibration & Treadmill Training
Eight bouts of 90 seconds of vibration at 20 Hz and an amplitude of 2 mm on a Galileo Med-L side-to-side-alternating WBV plate (StimDesigns LLC, Carmel, CA, USA) followed by ten minutes of treadmill walking at 110% self selected overground walking speed.
Primary outcome measures
Overground gait walking speed
Time frame: immediately after intervention
Measured in m/s from kinematic motion capture data
Overground gait step length
Time frame: immediately after intervention
Measured in cm from kinematic motion capture data
Overground gait dynamic knee range of motion
Time frame: immediately after intervention
Measured in degrees from kinematic motion capture data
Overground gait dynamic ankle range of motion
Time frame: immediately after intervention
Measured in degrees from kinematic motion capture data
Overground gait muscle activity as measured by electromyographic sensors
Time frame: immediately after intervention
integrated area per gait cycle at the following muscles: biceps femoris, vastus lateralis, lateral gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior
Lower extremity spasticity as measured by the Modified Tardieu Test
Time frame: immediately after intervention
including R1 and R2 joint angles as well as qualitative score
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- a medical diagnosis of spastic CP
- a GMFCS level of I, II, or III
- age of 6-17 years at the time of data collection
Exclusion criteria
- history of musculoskeletal injury within the past 3 months
- history of Botox injections to the lower extremities within the past 3 months
- history of significant cardiac abnormalities and/or uncontrolled seizures
- any cognitive or behavioral issues that prevent the subject from safely following instructions while walking on the treadmill
Where
- Atlanta, Georgia
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Frequently asked questions
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Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations