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This study evaluates the clinical efficacy of the Strain Counter-Strain (SCS) technique on improving oromotor functions in children with spastic cerebral palsy. The intervention specifically targets the masseter, SCM, upper trapezius, scalenes, and suprahyoid muscles to release myofascial tension. The study aims to determine if modulating muscle tone through SCS can provide a stable postural foundation to enhance functional oral motor skills. Outcomes are measured after 4 weeks (one month) of intervention, focusing on mouth opening range, drooling frequency and severity, and overall oral motor functions
This study follows a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) design. Children with spastic cerebral palsy are screened for inclusion based on impaired oromotor control and persistent neck muscle tension.
The Control Group receives a designed oral motor program aimed at improving oral motor functions, mouth opening, and drooling severity, conducted over 4 weeks (one month).
The Study Group receives the same designed oral motor program, preceded by the Strain Counter-Strain (SCS) technique applied to the masseter, sternocleidomastoid (SCM), scalenes, upper trapezius, and suprahyoid muscles. The SCS technique aims to normalize cervical alignment and release restrictive tension in the orofacial region.
Outcome Measures: Functional and physical changes are assessed at baseline and after the 4-week period. The primary outcomes include:
Mouth opening range (measured in centimeters). Drooling frequency and severity (using standardized scales). Oral motor functions (evaluated through standardized scales). The comparison seeks to demonstrate how stabilizing the proximal postural base through SCS facilitates refined distal oromotor performance
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strain counter-strain plus oral motor program | Experimental | This group receives the Strain Counter-Strain (SCS) technique followed by a designed oral motor program. The intervention targets the masseter, SCM, upper trapezius, scalenes, and suprahyoid muscles to release myofascial tension and normalize cervical alignment, conducted 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks |
|
| Oral motor program only | Active Comparator | This group receives only the designed oral motor program aimed at improving the strength, range of motion, and coordination of the masticatory and suprahyoid muscles. The program is conducted 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks |
|
| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strain Counter-Strain (SCS) | Procedure | A manual therapy technique used to release myofascial tightness and muscle tension in the head and neck region to provide a stable postural foundation for oromotor skills |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Oral motor functions | Assessment of oral motor skills including feeding, swallowing, and coordination using the Oral Motor Assessment Scale (OMAS). The scale scores range from 0 to 2, where higher scores indicate better function | Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Mouth Opening Range | Measurement of the maximum inter-incisal distance using tape measurement (measured in centimeters) | Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention |
| Drooling Frequency and Severity |
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Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
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| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Kamal Shoukry, PhD | Professor of Physical Therapy for Pediatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University | Study Director |
| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University | Giza | Egypt |
Individual participant data will not be available to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the participants. The study results will be disseminated through the final thesis and potential peer-reviewed publications as aggregate data only
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D012798 | Sialorrhea |
| D002547 | Cerebral Palsy |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D012466 | Salivary Gland Diseases |
| D009059 | Mouth Diseases |
| D009057 | Stomatognathic Diseases |
| D001925 | Brain Damage, Chronic |
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This is a two-arm, randomized controlled trial with a parallel assignment design. Participants are randomly allocated into two groups: the Study Group and the Control Group. Both groups receive the intervention concurrently over a period of 4 weeks. The Study Group receives the Strain Counter-Strain (SCS) technique followed by a designed oral motor program, while the Control Group receives the designed oral motor program alone. Outcomes are assessed for both groups at baseline and immediately following the 4-week intervention period.
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This is an open-label study where both the participants and the investigator are aware of the assigned interventions. Masking was not feasible due to the nature of the manual therapy technique (Strain Counter-Strain) and the active involvement of the physical therapist in administering the protocol.
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| Designed Oral Motor Program | Procedure | A structured exercise program designed to enhance oral motor functions, including feeding efficiency, mouth opening range, and drooling |
|
Evaluation of drooling patterns using the Modified Drooling Questionnaire (MDQ). Higher scores indicate more frequent and severe drooling.
| Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention |
| D001927 |
| Brain Diseases |
| D002493 | Central Nervous System Diseases |
| D009422 | Nervous System Diseases |