Comparing Virtual Reality and Strength Training for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Effect of Virtual Reality and Functional Strength Training on Arm Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy_2021
This study is testing whether virtual reality or strength training can help improve arm function in children with cerebral palsy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Georgia State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Atlanta, Georgia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05494905 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study investigates the effects of virtual reality (VR) and functional strength training (FST) on improving arm function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Forty children aged 5-17 with spastic CP will be recruited and randomly assigned to either VR or FST for six weeks, participating three times a week. The study employs a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART) design to adapt interventions based on individual responses, aiming to maximize clinical benefits. The goal is to explore innovative approaches to enhance arm function in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 5-17 diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy who can follow simple commands and have certain manual abilities.
Not a fit: Patients who have had recent surgeries or botulinum toxin injections, or those with severe attention deficits or uncontrolled epilepsy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide new, effective rehabilitation methods for improving arm function in children with cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have performed: While VR has shown promise in improving arm function in children with CP, the combination of VR and FST is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * children are between ages 5-17 years * diagnosed with CP; * have a Manual ability classification system (MACs) level I-III; * able to sit with trunk supported; * are able to reach forward for more than half of their arm length; * are able to comprehend a 3-step command; * are able to see video screen (with or without corrected vision); and * their primary caregiver is willing to follow the desired intervention 'dosing' and all evaluation measurements. Exclusion Criteria: * children have received surgery or botulinum toxin type A injection in the training arm within the preceding 4 months or are scheduled to receive it during the planned study period, * if children have a severe attention deficit or uncontrolled epilepsy which may possibly be triggered by the light or sound of the video games.
Where this trial is running
Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Physical Therapy, Georgia State University — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yuping Chen, ScD, PT — Department of Physical Therapy, Georgia State University
- Study coordinator: Yuping Chen, ScD, PT
- Email: ypchen@gsu.edu
- Phone: 1-404-413-1256
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.