Effects of motor imagery and action observation on motor function in unilateral cerebral palsy
Official title: Investigation of the Effects of Motor Imagery and Action Observation Therapy on Gross Motor Function, Upper Extremity Functional Skills, Activity, and Participation in Children With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy
Run by Bahçeşehir University · NCT07612371 · Data updated 2026-11-12
In children with unilateral cerebral palsy, this study tests whether adding motor imagery and action observation therapy to standard physical therapy can improve hand and arm function and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 7 Years to 16 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Bahçeşehir University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | October 2026 |
| Study ends | October 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07612371 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 7–16 with unilateral CP, GMFCS I–II, MACS I–III, and adequate cognitive function.
✕Probably not a fit
Children who do not show improvements in motor planning or who have severe sensory or visual impairments may derive little benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study examines whether supplementing conventional physiotherapy with motor imagery and action observation therapy improves gross motor skills, upper and lower extremity function, and quality of life in children with unilateral CP. Eligible participants are 7–16 years old with GMFCS levels I–II and adequate cognitive function. The therapies are delivered in addition to standard rehab, aiming to enhance use of the affected upper extremity in daily tasks. Outcomes focus on functional ability, participation, and life quality, reflecting real-world impact.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, children may experience better use of the affected limb and improved daily functioning and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous rehabilitation programs combining motor training with real-life task practice have shown promise, but this specific combination with motor imagery and action observation in unilateral CP is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being between 7 and 16 years of age * Having a diagnosis of unilateral cerebral palsy made by a pediatric neurologist * Being classified at levels I-II of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) * Scoring above 24 on the Mini-Mental State Examination for Children * Having no cognitive impairments (i.e., possessing an appropriate cognitive level to follow task instructions) * Willingness to participate in the study (child and family) * Being classified at levels I-III of the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) -Being classified at levels I-III of the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) - Exclusion Criteria: * Children with uncontrolled seizures * Children who have received motor imagery training or action observation therapy within the last 6 months * Children with contractures * Children with severe visual and/or hearing impairments * Being classified at levels III, IV, or V according to the GMFCS * Scoring below 24 on the Mini-Mental State Examination for Children * Being classified at levels IV-V of the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) * Having undergone orthopedic surgery or botulinum toxin (Botox) treatment within the last 6 months
Where it's running
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Kurtkoy Ozel Egitim ve Rehabilitasyon Merkezi
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Betul Unal
- Email: betul.unal1@bahcesehir.edu.tr
- Phone: +905314070105
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.