Effects of VOJTA Technique on Ataxic Cerebral Palsy.

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

In brief

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.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT07291128
Run by: Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
People needed: 40
Starts: 2025-12-08
Expected to finish: 2026-05-01
Last updated by the study team: 2025-12-30

Who can join

Age: 2 and older, up to 6. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

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.

You may not qualify if…

Presence of severe comorbidities i.e. neurological or orthopedic conditions.
Patients having significant cognitive deficits
Down syndrome, hydrocephalus, epilepsy, autism and medically ill children
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

Where it is running

Department of Physical Therapy — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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