Improving Arm and Hand Movement in Children with Hemiplegia Using Home-Based Ride-On Toy Training
Official title: A novel, child-friendly, home-based navigation training program using joystick-operated ride-on-toys to improve upper extremity function in children with hemiplegia: A pilot study
Funded at University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-11158881 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores if fun, home-based training with joystick-controlled ride-on toys can help children with hemiplegia move their arms and hands better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $201,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD109605-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11158881 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This pilot project is looking for children with hemiplegia between 3 and 8 years old who could participate in a home-based training program.
✕Less likely to help
Children outside the 3-8 year age range or those without hemiplegia would not be suitable for this specific training program.
What this research studies
Children with hemiplegia often find it challenging to use one side of their body, especially their arm and hand, which can make everyday tasks difficult. While intensive practice is known to help, many families struggle to get enough therapy hours due to access, time, and financial reasons. This project aims to bridge that gap by introducing a fun, home-based training program using modified ride-on toys controlled by a joystick. We hope this engaging approach will provide children with more opportunities for repetitive, goal-directed practice, making it easier for them to improve their arm and hand function alongside their regular therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could offer children with hemiplegia an enjoyable and accessible way to get more practice at home, potentially leading to better arm and hand function and greater independence.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific use of joystick-operated ride-on toys for this purpose is novel, the principle of intensive, repetitive, goal-directed practice is well-established in rehabilitation for improving motor function.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Storrs
Storrs-Mansfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Srinivasan, Sudha M — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Srinivasan, Sudha M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.