RecruitingInterventional

Strengthening programme for ambulant adolescents with cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy can cause muscle weakness and stiffness, making it harder for teenagers to stay active as they grow. Physiotherapists often use exercises to help, but routines vary across clinics. The ROBUST clinical trial is testing a specific, tailored strengthening programme for young people aged 12 to 18 with spastic cerebral palsy who can walk. Participants are placed by chance into one of two groups. One group receives the new exercise programme, attending six physiotherapy sessions over 16 weeks. The other group receives standard NHS physiotherapy care, which includes one advice session. Both groups will complete health questionnaires and simple movement checks over a 12-month period. The goal is to gather solid evidence on the best ways to keep young people strong and independent. Taking part helps doctors and therapists understand how best to support teenagers with cerebral palsy across the UK.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

334

Start

29 Jan 2024

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2027

Cerebral palsy

What is this study about?

Cerebral palsy happens when there is an injury to the brain before or during birth. For many young people, this causes muscles in their legs to feel stiff and weak. Walking, running, or joining in everyday activities with friends can become tougher, particularly during the teenage years as bones grow faster and muscles have to work harder.

Physiotherapy is a key part of staying mobile and healthy. Therapists often recommend exercises to strengthen leg muscles, but different NHS clinics often use very different routines. Because of this, doctors and therapists are not completely sure which exercises work best. The ROBUST study was designed to test an exercise programme specifically created to build leg strength in teenagers with cerebral palsy.

By comparing this new 16-week strengthening programme with the usual advice given in NHS clinics, the study team hopes to find clear answers. The findings will help create standard, high-quality exercise routines across the UK, giving future young people with cerebral palsy the best chance to stay strong, active, and independent.

Key takeaways

Open to teenagers aged 12 to 18 with spastic cerebral palsy who can walk.
Compares a 16-week muscle-strengthening programme against standard NHS advice.
Involves no medications, surgery, or invasive tests.
Includes physical check-ups and questionnaires over a 12-month period.
Participation is voluntary, and you can leave at any time without losing NHS care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to teenagers aged 12 to 18 who have been diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy and are able to walk, either on their own or with walking aids. To take part, you and your family must be happy for your GP and regular physiotherapy team to know you are in the trial. Teenagers under 16 will need a parent or guardian's permission to take part, while those aged 16 or over can give their own consent.

The trial might not be suitable if you have recently had certain medical treatments. This includes having leg surgery within the past year (or planned in the next six months), or receiving Botox injections or leg plaster casts in the last four months. Teenagers who are already doing regular gym-style weight training cannot join, as the researchers need to see the true effect of the new programme.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

You are between 12 and 18 years old.
You have a diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy.
You can walk on your own or with walking aids.
You have not had leg surgery in the past 12 months (or planned in the next 6 months).
You have not had Botox injections or leg casts in the past 4 months.
You are not currently doing regular gym-style weight or resistance training.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part, a computer will randomly place you into one of two groups. If you are in the exercise group, you will attend six sessions with a physiotherapist over 16 weeks to learn tailored muscle-strengthening exercises. If you are in the usual care group, you will have one session with a physiotherapist to receive standard advice on staying active. No medicines or injections are involved in either group. Everyone will attend a movement check-up at the start and at six months, and will fill out simple questionnaires at the start, at six months, and at 12 months. Your total time in the study will be about one year.

Potential risks and benefits

Joining the study may give you extra support with your movement, and the findings will help doctors improve care for other young people with cerebral palsy in the future. As with any exercise routine, you might get mild muscle soreness or walk with a slight limp for a day or two after working out. The physiotherapists will guide you carefully to keep you safe. Taking part is entirely your choice, and you can change your mind and stop at any time without your normal NHS care being affected.

Locations (33)

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Poole, England
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Approximate
Derby, England
Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Gloucester, England
Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Liverpool, England
Solent NHS Trust
City only
Southampton, England
Isle of Wight NHS - Hq
Unverified
Newport, England
Barts Health NHS Trust
Unverified
London, England
St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
London, England
Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust
Unverified
Leeds, England
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Bury St. Edmunds, England
The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
Unverified
Wolverhampton, England
Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Salford, England

Common questions

What is the main goal of the ROBUST study?

The study aims to see if a tailored 16-week muscle-strengthening programme works better than standard NHS advice for teenagers with cerebral palsy.

Will taking part cost anything?

No, taking part is free through the NHS, although you will need to travel to your local hospital or clinic for appointments.

Can I choose which group I am placed into?

No. A computer chooses your group at random to make sure the comparison between treatments is fair and reliable.

Will I have to stop seeing my normal physiotherapist?

No. Your regular physiotherapy service and your GP will be informed, and your normal healthcare support will continue.

What happens if an exercise feels too difficult or painful?

The physiotherapist will adjust the exercises to match your personal comfort and ability so that you can exercise safely.

How to find out more

Joanna O'Mahoney

joanna.omahoney@ndorms.ox.ac.uk +44 (0)1865 737643 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.