CIMT with or without a robotic glove to improve hand use in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy
Effects of Constraint Induced Movement Therapy With and Without Robotic Glove on Dexterity and Hand Grip Strength in Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy
This project will see if adding a robotic glove to constraint-induced movement therapy helps children aged 6–12 with hemiplegic CP improve hand dexterity and grip strength.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07248735 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, two-arm trial enrolls 34 children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy and compares standard constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) alone to CIMT combined with a robotic glove that assists finger flexion, extension, and individual finger movements. Participants receive intensive six-hour therapy sessions three to five days per week over a four- to eight-week period. Primary outcomes include hand dexterity and grip strength measured before and after the intervention. The trial is conducted at a single clinical site and is sponsored by Riphah International University.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 6–12 years with hemiplegic CP who meet CIMT motor criteria (up to 20° wrist extension, up to 10° thumb abduction, up to 10° finger extension), GMFCS level 1–2, MAC grade 2–3, and who can follow simple instructions are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Children with severe cognitive impairment, other neurological disorders such as epilepsy, those already enrolled in other intensive physical therapy programs, or those outside the specified age and motor-function criteria are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding a robotic glove to CIMT could increase affected-hand dexterity and grip strength and help children gain greater independence in daily activities.
How similar studies have performed: Constraint-induced movement therapy has proven benefits for hemiplegic CP, while combining CIMT with robotic-assisted gloves is a relatively new approach with limited but encouraging preliminary evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged 6-12 years with Hemiplegic CP. * Both Genders will be included. * Fulfilling the CIMT criteria i.e. Up to 20 Degree Wrist Extension, up to 10 Degree * Thumb Abduction and Up to 10 Degree Finger Extension. * GMFCS level of 1 and 2. * MAC Grade 2 and 3. * Ability to understand and follow simple instructions. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive impairment or intellectual disability. * Presence of other neurological disorders such as epilepsy. * Children currently participating in other intensive physical therapy programs.
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Imran Amjad — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aftab Ansar Lodhi, MS-PT — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Imran Amjad, PhD
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 9233224390125
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.