Effects of Vojta Therapy on Functional Mobility and Gait Parameters in Children With Down Syndrome

Sponsor
Riphah International University
Study ID
NCT07248267
Status
Recruiting
Apply to this trial

Conditions

  • Down Syndrome

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
2 Years - 10 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Accepted

Interventions

  • Vojta Therapy — OTHER
    The intervention group received Vojta therapy. Vojta therapy was implemented by stimulating the chest zone, which is located between the 7th and 8th rib, use of additional zones was allowed to support the activation. The starting positions for Vojta therapy were supine or side-lying position with the head turned 30°toward the side being stimulated or side-lying. Patients were treated for 30 min.Vojta defined two main movements: Reflex crawling: Stimulating key points on the shoulders and pelvis in this position can help engage the extensor and flexor muscles of the spine, encouraging spinal alignment, limb movement, and balance development
  • repetitive sensorimotor exercises — OTHER
    The intervention should focus on strength training i.e:Core Stability and Trunk Control Exercises: Target Muscles: Core stability exercises focus on strengthening the muscles of the trunk, essential for postural control and balance. Exercises: Activities like sit-to-stand exercises, balance board training, and core strengthening using resistance bands are commonly used. Balance and Coordination Training :Dynamic Balance Exercises: Activities such as standing on one leg, heel-to-toe walking, and using a balance ball help to strengthen lower limb muscles and improve overall coordination.(30) Proprioceptive Activities: Including balance boards and foam pads for standing exercises can enhance proprioceptive feedback, essential for motor planning and gait adjustments

Study Details

This randomized clinical trial investigates the effects of Vojta therapy on functional mobility and gait parameters in children with down syndrome. The study involves 28 male and female children aged 2-10 years old, who will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups i.e. control and experimental group. Key performance outcomes -GMFM 88 and gait outcome assessment -will be assessed both before and after the intervention. The research aims to evaluate the effects of vojta therapy on functional mobility and gait parameters in children with down syndrome. This RCT study will examine the potential key parameters of gait I.e. its spacial parameters that are step length, stride length, stride width, In and out toe and BOS and functional mobility Data will be analyzed through SPSS version 27.00.

Key Dates

First listed
Nov 25, 2025
Start date
Oct 22, 2025
Status verified
Nov 2025
Primary completion
Jan 30, 2026
Completion
Jan 30, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment
28 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
OTHER

Arms

  • Experimental: Active Comparator:Vojta Therapy
    The intervention group received Vojta therapy. Vojta therapy was implemented by stimulating the chest zone, which is located between the 7th and 8th rib, use of additional zones was allowed to support the activation. The starting positions for Vojta therapy were supine or side-lying position with the head turned 30°toward the side being stimulated or side-lying. Patients were treated for 30 min with Vojta therapy and afterwards were mobilized with gait training, if feasible. It is recommended that therapy be carried out 30-40 min per day, thrice week. Same types of movements were detected to emerge by applying stimulus to certain points in newborns and s down children Vojta defined two main movements: Reflex crawling: Stimulating key points on the shoulders and pelvis in this position can help engage the extensor and flexor muscles of the spine, encouraging spinal alignment, limb movement, and balance development.
  • Placebo Comparator: repetitive sensorimotor exercises
    The intervention should focus on strength training i.e:Core Stability and Trunk Control Exercises: Target Muscles: Core stability exercises focus on strengthening the muscles of the trunk, essential for postural control and balance. Exercises: Activities like sit-to-stand exercises, balance board training, and core strengthening using resistance bands are commonly used. Balance and Coordination Training :Dynamic Balance Exercises: Activities such as standing on one leg, heel-to-toe walking, and using a balance ball help to strengthen lower limb muscles and improve overall coordination.(30) Proprioceptive Activities: Including balance boards and foam pads for standing exercises can enhance proprioceptive feedback, essential for motor planning and gait adjustments

Primary Outcome Measure

1. GMFM-88 scale [ Time Frame: 8 weeks ]

Central Contacts

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