Using Power Mobility Training to Promote Arm & Hand Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy (NCT07342348) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Using Power Mobility Training to Promote Arm & Hand Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy
United States10 participantsStarted 2026-01-19
Plain-language summary
Approximately 40% of children with ambulatory cerebral palsy have significant functional asymmetries in arm and hand function. Children with these significant functional asymmetries have difficulties using their more-affected (less preferred) arm and hand in daily activities, especially true in daily activities requiring bilateral hand and arm use. Recent research suggests that power mobility training provided via a ride-on toy may help to motivate these children to use their less preferred arm and hand. This research further notes that participation in power mobility training designed to encourage a child to use their less preferred arm and hand also may help to improve their arm and hand function and use in their daily activities. This exploratory study seeks to explore an innovative intervention using arm- and hand-use focused power mobility training activities, encompassing both navigational/maneuvering activities and embedded play-based reaching and grasping activities. During power mobility training activities, children will be asked to wear a soft mitten or sock on their preferred hand to help them remember to use their less preferred hand and arm.
The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine both the effect and feasibility of a 6-week laboratory-based arm-and hand-use focused power mobility training program.
Who can participate
Age range
3 Years – 8 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:
* Diagnosis of cerebral palsy
* Demonstrates significantly less functional use of one arm and hand
* Can get on and off the a ride-on toy with minimal assistance from the researchers
* Can maintain a sitting position on the a ride-on toy
* Has sufficient functional vision to safely maneuver the a ride-on toy
* Has their own bicycle helmet that fits them well and is in good working condition
Exclusion Criteria:
* Hand or arm surgery within the past 6 months
* Their weight exceeds device limits (more than 120 pounds)
* They do not demonstrate sufficient balance and control in sitting to safely use the ride-on toy
* If they cannot safely participate in arm- and hand-use focused power mobility training 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.
1This trial uses power wheelchair training to try to improve arm and hand function in children with cerebral palsy or hemiplegia — can you help me understand how driving a motorized wheelchair could actually translate into better hand use for my child?
2The study is measuring outcomes with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and the ABILHAND-Kids-CP questionnaire, which focus on real-life hand tasks and daily performance — based on where my child is right now, do you think those are areas where we'd realistically expect to see meaningful change?
3Since this trial is listed as Phase NA, which often means it's a behavioral or device-based study rather than a drug trial, what do you see as the main risks or burdens of participating — for example, how much time and travel would be involved, and could the training sessions interfere with my child's current therapies?
4Are there standard occupational or physical therapy approaches already available that target arm and hand function in children with hemiplegia, and would trying one of those first make more sense before enrolling in this study?
5Would my child's specific type or severity of cerebral palsy affect whether this kind of power mobility training is likely to be a good fit, and is there anything about their current motor abilities that might make participation difficult or less beneficial?
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
1
Canadian Occupational Performance Measure
Timeframe: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks
2
ABILHAND-Kids-CP Questionnaire
Timeframe: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks