Upper Extremity Strengthening Interventions in Children With UCP (NCT07116798) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Upper Extremity Strengthening Interventions in Children With UCP
Turkey (Türkiye)14 participantsStarted 2025-02-01
Plain-language summary
This study aims to compare the effects of two different upper extremity strengthening exercise approaches-bilateral strengthening exercises based on Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) patterns and plyometric exercises-on muscle thickness, joint range of motion, muscle strength, and functional performance in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP). Although strengthening exercises targeting the affected upper limb in children with USCP have been investigated in numerous studies, to our knowledge, no previous research has directly compared the effects of bilateral PNF-based strengthening exercises and plyometric training. Incorporating PNF patterns into upper extremity rehabilitation programs has been previously recommended, and examining the efficacy of these exercises in comparison with plyometric training may contribute valuable insights to the literature and inform clinical practice.
Who can participate
Age range
5 Years – 12 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:
* Aged between 5 and 12 years
* Diagnosed with unilateral spastic type cerebral palsy
* Classified as Level I or II according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS)
* Classified as Level I or II according to the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS)
* Upper extremity muscle tone ≤2 on the Modified Ashworth Scale
* Willing to suspend other upper extremity therapeutic interventions during the study period
* Able to cooperate and follow instructions provided by the researcher
* Voluntarily willing to participate in the study
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of any upper extremity surgery or Botulinum toxin (Btx) injection within the past 6 months
* Presence of an additional neurological disorder other than cerebral palsy
* Having visual and/or hearing impairments
* Having severe contractures that limit participation in functional activities
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.