A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial of an Online Exercise Programme for Adults With Cerebral Palsy
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Exercise and education programme, control group.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Cerebral Palsy, Exercise, Adults, Fitness. Basic parameters: from 18 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Ireland
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
CP-EXCEL: A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial of an Online Exercise Programme for Adults With Cerebral Palsy
Overview
Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) often face challenges in accessing exercise programmes that are appropriate for their needs. Barriers such as limited mobility, a lack of tailored options, and restricted access to physiotherapy services can make participation difficult. Exercise is important for improving physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. However, many adults with CP do not have regular opportunities to take part in structured physical activity. This study aims to investigate whether an online exercise programme can serve as an effective and accessible alternative. The main aim of the study is to assess the feasibility of delivering an online exercise programme for adults with CP. Key areas of focus will include demand, implementation, practicality, adaptability, acceptability, and potential benefits to physical, mental, and social well-being. A total of 60 adults with CP will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups (30 participants per group). One group will complete an 8-week online exercise and education programme. The second group will receive the same educational materials during the study and will be provided with information about the home exercise programme after the 8-week intervention period. Data will be collected on attendance, completion rates, engagement with exercises, and any reported adverse events. Health-related surveys will be completed before and after the programme to assess any changes. In addition, a selected group of participants from the intervention group will take part in interviews to provide feedback on their experiences. Findings from this study may support the development of accessible, effective, and person-centred online exercise programmes for adults with CP. Results may help improve future programme design and contribute to better care and support for adults with CP in Ireland.
Interventions
- Other Exercise and education programme
Participants will complete 8-week online exercise programme consisting of an online exercise class once per week. The exercises will target improving strength, balance and range of movement. In addition, participants will receive educational materials on exercise, nutrition, walking changes, fatigue, optimizing bone health, pain management, mental health, sleep and physical activity maintenance. - Other control group
The control group will receive educational materials over 8 weeks
Primary outcome measures
- Physical function [Time frame: Duration of study 2 years]
- Mobility [Time frame: rolling recruitment over 1.2 years]
- Presence of Pain [Time frame: Duration of study 2 years]
Secondary outcome measures (8)
- Pain intensity [Time frame: Duration of study 2 years]
- Pain quality [Time frame: Duration of study 2 years]
- Pain interference [Time frame: Duration of study 2 years]
- Fatigue [Time frame: Duration of study 2 years]
- Sleep [Time frame: Duration of study 2 years]
- Self-efficacy [Time frame: Duration of study 2 years]
- Depression [Time frame: Duration of study 2 years]
- Participation [Time frame: Duration of study 2 years]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Adults aged 18 and over with cerebral palsy (CP) residing on the island of Ireland.
- Individuals of any Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level.
- Individuals with other associated impairments.
- People with mild-to-moderate intellectual disability who can access the online platform and follow study instructions, with or without support.
Exclusion criteria
- Individuals with severe intellectual disability where sufficient adaptations cannot be made.
- Adults with unstable medical conditions.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Open label
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Ireland · 1 center
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland — Dublin
Identifiers
NCT: NCT06983782 · REC202501020