Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Mirror Therapy in Children With Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy

26 participantsStarted 2026-08-01

Plain-language summary

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that frequently impairs upper extremity motor control and hand function, resulting in limitations in daily activities. Mirror therapy is a low-cost, easy-to-implement intervention that promotes motor learning by stimulating cortical reorganization and neuroplasticity. This randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial aims to investigate the effects of mirror therapy on upper extremity function, selective motor control, hand function, hand grip strength, and manual dexterity in children with hemiparetic CP. Twenty-six children with hemiparetic CP will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving mirror therapy combined with conventional physiotherapy or a control group receiving sham mirror therapy combined with the same conventional physiotherapy program. The intervention will be administered over an 8-week period. Baseline assessments will include the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) and the Modified Ashworth Scale. Outcome measures collected before and after the intervention will include the Selective Control of the Upper Extremity Scale (SCUES), ABILHAND-Kids questionnaire, hand grip strength measured with the Jamar dynamometer, and manual dexterity assessed using the Nine-Hole Peg Test. The study is expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of mirror therapy beyond conventional physiotherapy by using a sham-controlled design and to contribute to the development of standardized, evidence-based rehabilitation protocols for improving upper extremity function in children with hemiparetic CP.

Who can participate

Age range

6 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: * Diagnosis of hemiparetic cerebral palsy * Aged between 6 and 12 years * Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) level I-III * Having received or currently receiving physiotherapy and rehabilitation for at least 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive or communication impairments that would prevent participation in mirror therapy. * Inability to cooperate with the assessment or intervention procedures. * Presence of uncontrolled neurological disorders, such as epilepsy. * Musculoskeletal deformities or a history of upper extremity surgery. * Visual or hearing impairments that would interfere with participation in mirror therapy. * Receipt of upper extremity interventions other than routine physiotherapy (e.g., botulinum toxin injection or surgical intervention) within the past 6 months. Inability to comply with the study assessment or intervention schedule.

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

Change in Selective Motor Control of the Upper Extremity

Timeframe: Baseline and after the 8-week intervention

Change in Manual Dexterity

Timeframe: Baseline and after the 8-week intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07734376

SponsorMarmara University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-10-01

Contact for this trial

İrem Çetinkaya, PhD

5548056805 iremkaranki@gmail.com

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy trials