Assessment of Trunk Position Sense, Trunk Control, and Functional Independence in Children With Cerebral Palsy

January 9, 2026 updated by: Selvin BALKİ, Cumhuriyet University
The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a difference in trunk proprioception, as assessed by trunk position sense, in children with unilateral and bilateral spastic cerebral palsy, and to evaluate the relationship between trunk position sense, trunk control, and functional independence.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted in children with unilateral and bilateral spastic cerebral palsy aged between 6 and 12 years. A total of 78 children (36 girls and 42 boys) with spastic cerebral palsy were included in the study. The gross motor function levels of the participants ranged from Level I to Level IV according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).

Participants were recruited from children receiving education and rehabilitation services at special education and rehabilitation centers in Kayseri, Turkiye, and only children whose parents or legal guardians provided written informed consent were included.

Demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants were recorded using a structured sociodemographic data form.

Trunk position sense was assessed using a dual inclinometer device to evaluate trunk proprioception. Trunk control was evaluated using the Trunk Impairment Scale, and functional independence was assessed using the motor subscale of the Pediatric Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM). In addition, muscle tone was assessed bilaterally using the Modified Ashworth Scale.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Actual)

78

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Child

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Spastic cerebral palsy

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Have a diagnosis of unilateral or bilateral spastic cerebral palsy,
  • Are aged between 6 and 12 years,
  • Are able to sit independently,
  • Have a cognitive level sufficient to understand and follow verbal instructions,
  • Have not undergone surgical intervention or Botulinum Toxin A injection within the last 6 months,
  • Have parents or legal guardians who have provided written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Have received Botulinum Toxin or intrathecal baclofen treatment within the last 6 months,
  • Have a history of pelvic, spinal, or upper extremity surgery,
  • Have severe visual or hearing impairments,
  • Have cognitive impairments preventing effective communication,
  • Are unable to sit independently,
  • Do not have parental consent.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Intervention / Treatment
Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Other: Only measurements were taken.
This study does not contain any intervention.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Trunk Position Sense
Time Frame: Data collection was conducted between January 2022 and March 2023.
Trunk proprioception assessed using a dual inclinometer device during trunk flexion movements with the repositioning angle method under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions.
Data collection was conducted between January 2022 and March 2023.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Trunk Control
Time Frame: January 2022 - March 2023
Assessed using the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) in sitting position.
January 2022 - March 2023
Functional Independence
Time Frame: January 2022 - March 2023
Assessed using the motor subscale of the Pediatric Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM).
January 2022 - March 2023
Muscle Tone
Time Frame: January 2022 - March 2023
Assessed bilaterally using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS).
January 2022 - March 2023

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Cumhuriyet University

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Selvin Balki, Assoc. prof. Dr, Cumhuriyet University

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

January 1, 2022

Primary Completion (Actual)

March 1, 2023

Study Completion (Actual)

December 31, 2023

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

January 9, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

January 9, 2026

First Posted (Estimated)

January 16, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Estimated)

January 16, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

January 9, 2026

Last Verified

January 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • SCU-FTR-SB-04

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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