The Next Step.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Next Step Study- A study to determine the reliability and validity of a novel measure of dynamic balance during stepping in children with cerebral palsy.
IRAS ID
247623
Contact name
Rachel Rapson
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Children with cerebral palsy frequently undertake clinical interventions aimed at improving their balance and walking. This study will test a child’s steeping accuracy and body movement as they step onto targets with each leg. We will assess whether these measures are related to other clinical measures of Cerebral Palsy and whether they are reproducible between people and across time. Understanding a measures properties is important if we are to use them in trials and clinical practice.
Twenty-five children with Cerebral Palsy will be asked to attend on two occasions. Each session will take up to 90 minutes to complete. Balance while stepping will be measured using a camera that monitors the movement of markers attached to the hips and feet and using a plate that can measure the forces generated while stepping. Children will be asked to step with either foot to targets in front of them or to the side. There will be 15 steps per target and rests will be provided as required. The stepping accuracy and movement of the body will be measured. On session 1 the test will be performed once. On session 2 the test will be repeated twice, once with the person running the test in session 1 and once with another researcher.
In addition on session 1 we will measure children’s quality of movement while performing everyday tasks. In session 2 we will take measures of some common clinical problems such as leg strength, stiffness and range of motion.
We will compare the results of the step test and clinical measures to 25 typically developing children of a similar age. We will see if the measures are reproducible and have any association with the clinical measures of quality of movement and clinical severity.REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SW/0239
Date of REC Opinion
23 Dec 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion