RecruitingNot Applicable

Pediatric Upper-Limb Rehabilitation With PhiCube, a Modular Bilateral End-Effector Device

Italy54 participantsStarted 2025-11-17

Plain-language summary

The present investigation is configured as a multicenter clinical study in a within-group pilot phase. This study aims to investigate primarily the feasibility of use and effectiveness of a treatment for upper limb function in children aged 4 to 18 years with congenital and acquired neuromotor disorders through a new portable robotic system, called PhiCube, designed for bilateral neuromotor rehabilitation of the upper limbs in subjects with neuromotor disorders. In order to specifically investigate also the potential impact of PhiCube on movement planning aspects, the study will also involve a small group of children aged 4 to 18 years with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Before (PreT0 and T0) and after (T1 and T2) treatment, standardized assessment tests will be administered. Regarding the investigation objectives reported above, the primary outcome measure will be the Melbourne Assessment-2 (MA2), a standardized, valid and reliable instrument for evaluating the quality of upper limb movement in children with neurological deficits, capable of measuring four elements of movement quality: range of motion, accuracy, dexterity and fluency. As secondary outcome measures, Abilhand-Kids has been chosen, a brief questionnaire that measures 21 main daily bimanual activities completed by the parent or caregiver, and various subtests and questionnaires aimed at evaluating the neuropsychological processes involved and the effects related to auditory feedback perception. The treatment will have a total duration of approximately 3 months and will be organized in 3 weekly sessions lasting 45 minutes each, to reach a total of 30. Descriptive statistics of the clinical and technological variables obtained in the evaluation and rehabilitation phases will be calculated. Subsequently, treatment efficacy analyses through the robotic device are planned, comparing pre-post clinical variables. All collected data will finally be analyzed in order to compare the rehabilitative efficacy of the device with respect to the different groups of participants identified based on diagnostic profile.

Who can participate

Age range

4 Years – 18 Years

Sex

ALL

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: * For subjects with congenital and acquired neuromotor disorders: * Diagnosis of congenital and acquired neuromotor disorders * Age between 4 and 18 years at the time of recruitment * Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) less than 3 * MACS level I-IV * Sufficient capacity to understand the proposed activities * Availability to attend the facility * For subjects with developmental coordination disorder (DCD): * Diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) * Age between 4 and 18 years at the time of recruitment * Sufficient capacity to understand the proposed activities * Availability to attend the facility Exclusion Criteria: * For subjects with congenital and acquired neuromotor disorders: * Severe sensory deficits * Onset of pathologies that prevent participation * Worsening of pre-existing comorbidities * For subjects with developmental coordination disorder (DCD): * Severe sensory deficits * Onset of pathologies that prevent participation * Worsening of pre-existing comorbidities

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Upper limb movement quality in children with neurological deficits

Timeframe: Assessed at 4 time points: - PreT0: 2 months before treatment initiation - T0: Immediately before starting PhiCube treatment - T1: Immediately after completing the treatment period - T2: 1 month after treatment completion

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07092436

SponsorIstituto di Sistemi e Tecnologie Industriali Intelligenti per il Manifatturiero Avanzato

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-10

Contact for this trial

Matteo Malosio, PhD

+39.0341.235.0203 matteo.malosio@cnr.it

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Congenital and Acquired Neuromotor Disorders trials