Comparing two therapies for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy

Effects of Modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Versus Virtual Reality Training in Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

Not applicable Interventional Riphah International University · NCT06846190

This study is testing whether a hands-on therapy or virtual reality training can help improve movement in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorRiphah International University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province)
Trial IDNCT06846190 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (mCIMT) versus virtual reality training in improving motor function in children aged 5 to 16 with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either mCIMT, which involves immobilizing the unaffected hand and intensive practice with the affected hand, or virtual reality training combined with hot packs. The intervention will last for four weeks, with sessions occurring three times a week. The goal is to enhance daily activities and school participation by improving upper limb function.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 5 to 16 diagnosed with spastic hemiparetic cerebral palsy who meet specific motor function criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with health issues unrelated to cerebral palsy or those who have had recent orthopedic surgery on the affected limb may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve motor function and daily living activities for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using similar therapeutic approaches, but this specific comparison of mCIMT and virtual reality training is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age range between 5 to 16 years of age.
* Medical diagnosis of spastic hemiparetic CP.
* At least 20◦wrist and 10◦ active finger extension from full flexion.
* More movement deficits in 1 upper extremity (less than 2.5 on the Amount of Use scale (AOU) on the Pediatric Motor Activity Log (PMAL)).
* Muscle tone less than 3 on the Modified Ashworth Scale.
* Normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing.
* Classified level I, II, or III of the Manual Ability Classification System ( MACS) for Children with CP

Exclusion Criteria:

* Health problems not associated with CP.
* Seizure hemispatial neglect.
* Orthopaedic surgery on the involved upper extremity.
* Botulinum toxin therapy for the affected upper extremity within the past 6 months or within the study period.
* Balance problems

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 Hemiplegic Cerebral PalsyCerebral palsyHemiplegicModified constraint induced movement therapySpasticVirtual reality
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.