Effects of VOJTA Technique on Ataxic Cerebral Palsy.
Key facts
- Where
- Lahore, PakistanSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 2 and 6 years old?
Source: NCT07291128, who can take part
Where in Pakistan
- Department of Physical TherapyLahore, PakistanContact: Fareeha Ijaz fareeha, MastersTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
- Trial code
- NCT07291128
- Record updated
- 30 December 2025
- Original description
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.Read full original descriptionShow less
Effects of VOJTA Technique on Muscle Tone, Gross Motor Function and Balance on Ataxic Cerebral Palsy.
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.
Inclusion: Both male and female participants would be included; Children diagnosed with ataxic cerebral palsy; Age range of participants will be 2 to 6 years old; Participants included will be at level 2 on gross motor function classification scale; Participants included will have ATNR reflex; Stable medical condition for the past three months with no hospitalizations.
Exclusion: Presence of severe comorbidities i.e. neurological or orthopedic conditions; Down syndrome, hydrocephalus, epilepsy, autism and medically ill children; Patients having significant cognitive deficits; Children with visual or auditory deficits affecting postural control and balance assessment; Ongoing pharmacological treatment (e.g., muscle relaxants or antiepileptic) likely to influence muscle tone or motor function during the study period.