Assessing arm and hand movements in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy through telehealth
Feasibility and Reliability of the Melbourne Assessment-2 (MA-2) for Telehealth
This study is testing if using telehealth can accurately check how well children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy can move their arms and hands compared to in-person visits.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 35 (estimated) |
| Ages | 2 Years to 10 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT06810063 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Melbourne Assessment-2 (MA-2) when conducted via telehealth for children aged 2-10 with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Participants will attend two sessions, one in-person and one through telehealth, where they will engage in play with common toys while their movements are video recorded. The study will also compare engagement levels among parents, providers, and children during in-person versus telehealth assessments, as well as gather caregivers' impressions of both methods. The goal is to determine if telehealth can effectively assess arm and hand function in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 2-10 years with hemiplegic cerebral palsy who can attend both an in-person and a telehealth session.
Not a fit: Patients who do not speak English or cannot attend both required visits within one month may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a validated telehealth assessment tool for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, improving access to rehabilitation services.
How similar studies have performed: While telehealth assessments have shown success in adults and some children with other conditions, this specific approach for assessing arm and hand function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy is novel and untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ages 2-10 years old * hemiplegic cerebral palsy * able to attend an in-person visit in the research lab OR live within 60 miles of the research lab * able to attend a telehealth session with personal device Exclusion Criteria: * child or caregiver does not speak English * unable to attend one in person visit and one telehealth visit within 1 month
Where this trial is running
Columbus, Ohio
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center — Columbus, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jill Heathcock, PhD — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Elizabeth Maus, DPT
- Email: elizabeth.maus@osumc.edu
- Phone: 6145725446
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.