CompletedNot Applicable

Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Hand Recovery and Quality of Life in Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsied Children

Egypt60 participantsStarted 2025-10-01

Plain-language summary

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that may help improve hand function in children with cerebral palsy. This study investigates whether tDCS combined with functional task training is more effective than functional task training alone for improving hand recovery and quality of life in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Sixty children aged 7 to 12 years with hemiparetic cerebral palsy will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group will receive anodal tDCS at 2mA for 20 minutes, 3 times per week for 1 month, combined with 40 minutes of functional task training. The control group will receive functional task training alone for 60 minutes, 3 times per week for 1 month. Hand function will be measured using the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test and grip strength using a hand held dynamometer. Spasticity will be assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale, and quality of life will be measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL). All assessments will be conducted before and after the 1-month treatment period. The findings of this study may help determine whether adding tDCS to standard rehabilitation provides additional benefits for hand recovery and quality of life in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.

Who can participate

Age range

7 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: * Age: 7 to 12 years old * Diagnosis of unilateral spastic hemiparetic cerebral palsy * Both sexes (male and female) * Able to understand and follow simple instructions * Able to maintain a sitting position for at least 60 minutes * Stable medication regimen for at least 3 months prior to study entry Exclusion Criteria: * Blindness, sickness, or language defects impairing patient cooperation * Epilepsy or abnormal electroencephalography (EEG) * Previous brain surgery * Skin irritation or dysfunction at electrode placement site * Metallic implants within the brain * Inability to consent or undergo tDCS therapy * Presence of cardiac abnormalities * Received botulinum toxin injections in the upper limb within the past 6 months

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 Grip Strength of the Affected Hand

Timeframe: Baseline and 4 weeks post-treatment

Change in Hand Function - Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test

Timeframe: Baseline and 4 weeks post-treatment

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07746856

SponsorOctober 6 University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-05-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Cerebral Palsy trials