Comparing training methods for children with cerebral palsy

Effectiveness of Unilateral Versus Bilateral Intensive Training in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Not applicable Interventional National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT02808156

This study is testing which type of training works better for kids with hemiplegic cerebral palsy—training one side of the body or both sides—to see how it helps their movement and overall well-being.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages3 Years to 16 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taipei, Zhongzheng District)
Trial IDNCT02808156 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research project investigates the effectiveness of unilateral versus bilateral intensive training in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy over a three-year period. It aims to compare both immediate and long-term treatment outcomes, focusing on motor function improvements and psychological factors. The study will include comprehensive outcome measures based on the ICF-CY model to assess the impact of each training protocol. Participants will be children aged 3 to 16 years with specific eligibility criteria related to their condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3 to 16 years diagnosed with congenital hemiplegic cerebral palsy or those with one side more affected.

Not a fit: Patients with excessive muscle tone or severe cognitive, visual, or auditory disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance rehabilitation strategies for children with cerebral palsy, leading to improved motor function and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with similar rehabilitation approaches, but this specific comparison of unilateral versus bilateral training is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
The inclusion criteria of this study are:

1. aged between 3 and 16 years
2. diagnosed with congenital hemiplegic or children with CP with one more affected side; (3) apparently disuse phenomenon of the more affected hand at spontaneous contexts

Participants will be exclude for:

1. excessive muscle tone (Modified Ashworth Scale ≤ 2 at any joints of the upper limb) before beginning treatment (Bohannon \& Smith, 1987)
2. severe cognitive, visual, or auditory disorders according to medical documents, parental reports, and the examiner's clinical observation
3. injections of botulinum toxin type A or operations on the UE within 6 months

Where this trial is running

Taipei, Zhongzheng District

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 Palsy,Upper limb neurorehabilitationUpper ExtremityNeurological Rehabilitation
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.