Comparing imaginary and physical exercises for improving hand strength in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy

Effects of Imaginary Resisted Exercises Versus Physical Resisted Exercises on Hand Grip Strength in Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

NA · Riphah International University · NCT06001983

This study tests whether imaginary exercises or physical exercises can help improve hand strength in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment34 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorRiphah International University (other)
Locations1 site (Lahore, Punjab)
Trial IDNCT06001983 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of imaginary resisted exercises compared to physical resisted exercises on hand grip strength in children diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. It will involve a randomized control trial design, where participants aged 6 to 12 years will be assigned to one of two groups: one receiving imaginary exercises and the other physical exercises. The study will utilize standardized measurement tools such as the Jamar dynamometer to assess grip strength and other functional tests to evaluate upper extremity function. The goal is to determine which intervention is more beneficial for improving strength in the affected upper limb.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 6 to 12 years with congenital infantile hemiplegia and limited use of their affected upper limb.

Not a fit: Patients with low cognitive levels, contractures in the affected limb, recent surgeries, or uncontrolled epilepsy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel therapeutic approach to enhance hand strength in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using imaginary exercises is innovative, similar studies focusing on physical resistance exercises have shown positive outcomes in improving strength in children with cerebral palsy.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Congenital infantile hemiplegia.
* Aged between 6 and 12 years.
* Lack of use of the affected upper limb.
* Level I-III of the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS).
* Students scoring of Modified Ashworth Scale should be 3 or less than 3 out of 5 for the same muscle groups of previously mentioned movements.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Low cognitive level compatible with attending a special education school.
* Presence of contractures in the affected upper limb affecting the functional movement.
* Surgery in the six months previously to the treatment.
* Botulinum toxin in the two months previously to or during the intervention.
* Pharmacologically uncontrolled epilepsy

Where this trial is running

Lahore, Punjab

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy, Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy, Hand Grip Strength, Imaginary Resisted Exercises, Physical Resisted Exercises.

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.