CompletedNot Applicable

Use of Joystick-operated Ride-on-toys to Improve Affected Arm Use and Function in Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

United States15 participantsStarted 2022-11-15

Plain-language summary

This research is being done to explore if modified, commercially available, joystick-operated, ride-on-cars can be used to promote bilateral arm function in children with hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy (CP). Specifically, the study evaluates the effects of a 6-week, home-based, child-friendly, innovative program that uses modified, commercially available, joystick-operated, powered ride-on-toys to promote spontaneous affected arm use and function in children with hemiplegic CP.

Who can participate

Age range3 Years – 8 Years

SexALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Are boys or girls between the ages of 3 - 8 years * Have been diagnosed with hemiplegic Cerebral palsy by a medical doctor with clear asymmetry in upper extremity strength and control, i.e., one upper limb is clearly weaker than the other; * Have had no physical trauma (including surgery) in the past 6 months; * Demonstrate awareness of objects in their environment through their visual system; * Can use their upper extremity or trunk to activate a joystick placed within reachable distance; * Can maintain a supported sitting position for at least 20 minutes Exclusion Criteria: * Have only lower limb involvement * Are capable of using both hands together very well for functional activities; * Age \>8 years or below 3 years of age * Exceed safe weight or height limits of the device; * Have parents who know at the time of the initial contact that they will not be able to complete training and all the posttest sessions

What they're measuring

Change in Affected Arm Movement Control

Timeframe: Baseline, at 6-weeks (i.e., at the end of the control phase), at 12-weeks (i.e., at the end of intervention phase)

Changes in Use of Affected Arm in Functional Activities

Timeframe: Baseline, at 6-weeks (i.e., at the end of the control phase), at 12-weeks (i.e., at the end of intervention phase)

Changes in Habitual Arm Activity on the Affected Side

Timeframe: Baseline, at 6-weeks (i.e., at the end of the control phase), at 12-weeks (i.e., at the end of intervention phase)

Changes in Kinematic Measures of Movement Control on the Affected Arm

Timeframe: at 6-weeks (i.e., at the end of the control phase), at 12-weeks (i.e., at the end of intervention phase)

Treatment Satisfaction

Timeframe: At 6-weeks (i.e., at the end of the control phase), at 12 weeks (i.e. following completion of the intervention phase)

Perceived Satisfaction With Intervention

Timeframe: At 12 weeks (i.e. following completion of the intervention and control phases each lasting for 6 weeks)

Ease of Implementation of Training

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05559320

SponsorUniversity of Connecticut

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-05-11

Results submitted2025-05-05

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range3 Years – 8 Years

SexALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Change in Affected Arm Movement Control

Timeframe: Baseline, at 6-weeks (i.e., at the end of the control phase), at 12-weeks (i.e., at the end of intervention phase)

Changes in Use of Affected Arm in Functional Activities

Timeframe: Baseline, at 6-weeks (i.e., at the end of the control phase), at 12-weeks (i.e., at the end of intervention phase)

Changes in Habitual Arm Activity on the Affected Side

Timeframe: Baseline, at 6-weeks (i.e., at the end of the control phase), at 12-weeks (i.e., at the end of intervention phase)

Changes in Kinematic Measures of Movement Control on the Affected Arm

Timeframe: at 6-weeks (i.e., at the end of the control phase), at 12-weeks (i.e., at the end of intervention phase)

Treatment Satisfaction

Timeframe: At 6-weeks (i.e., at the end of the control phase), at 12 weeks (i.e. following completion of the intervention phase)

Perceived Satisfaction With Intervention

Timeframe: At 12 weeks (i.e. following completion of the intervention and control phases each lasting for 6 weeks)

Ease of Implementation of Training