Cognitive sensory motor training to improve hand dexterity and upper-limb function in children with cerebral palsy

Effects of Cognitive Sensory Motor Training Therapy on Dexterity and Upper Limb Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Not applicable Interventional Riphah International University · NCT07248566

This project will test whether adding cognitive sensory motor training to routine therapy helps children aged 6–12 with cerebral palsy improve hand dexterity and upper‑limb function.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment32 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 12 Years
SexFemale
SponsorRiphah International University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province)
Trial IDNCT07248566 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial at Central Park Teaching Hospital will enroll 32 children with cerebral palsy aged 6–12 and randomly assign them to an experimental or control group. The experimental group will receive Cognitive Sensory Motor Training (CSMT) plus routine physical therapy, while the control group will receive routine physical therapy alone. CSMT sessions last 35 minutes, five times per week for 12 weeks, and outcomes on dexterity and upper-limb function will be measured before and after the intervention. Eligible participants have GMFCS and MACS levels II–III and can follow simple instructions, while those with severe cognitive or sensory impairments, unstable medical conditions, or other neurological diagnoses are excluded.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Children aged 6–12 with a confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy, GMFCS and MACS levels II–III, a stable medical condition, and the ability to follow simple instructions with parental consent are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Children with severe cognitive impairment, significant visual or hearing deficits, unstable medical conditions, severe contractures, or other major neurological disorders are unlikely to qualify or benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, adding CSMT could lead to better hand dexterity and upper-limb function, improving daily activities and participation for affected children.

How similar studies have performed: Related sensory-motor and cognitive-motor interventions have shown some positive effects on hand use in children with cerebral palsy, but high-quality randomized data using a standardized CSMT protocol remain limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children aged 6-12 years with cerebral palsy
* Diagnosis confirmed by pediatric neurologist or rehabilitation specialist
* Ability to follow simple instructions and participate in therapy sessions.
* Participants had to be able to focus attention on demonstrate level II and III on the Gross
* Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFCS)
* Level II or III on the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Visual impairment or hearing defect
* Severe cognitive decline and aphasia
* Contractures that could limit the patient from maintaining the extended arm in a comfortable position,

Where this trial is running

Lahore, Punjab Province

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cerebral PalsyCerebral palsyCognitionFunctional activityDexterity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.