Effects of rhythm on dance learning in children with and without cerebral palsy

Rhythm Effect on Dance Learning and Associated Functions in Typical Development Children and Children With Motor Disorders.

This study is testing if dancing with a regular rhythm helps children aged 8 to 16, both with and without cerebral palsy, learn dance moves better and improve their motor and social skills.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 68 (estimated)
• Ages: 8 Years to 16 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University Hospital, Toulouse (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Toulouse)
• Trial ID: NCT06137625 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how the presence of regular rhythm influences the ability to learn dance choreography in children aged 8 to 16, both with and without cerebral palsy (CP). It aims to assess the impact of rhythmic interventions on motor, cognitive, and social functions, particularly focusing on children with CP who often face challenges in procedural learning. Participants will engage in dance training sessions, with some experiencing training with regular rhythm and others without. The goal is to validate the hypothesis that rhythm enhances motor control and learning capabilities.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children aged 8 to 16 with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy or typically developing children without neurological disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with autism spectrum disorder, significant hearing or visual deficiencies, or those unable to understand instructions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve dance learning and overall motor skills in children with cerebral palsy, enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with rhythmic interventions in improving motor and cognitive functions in children with cerebral palsy, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

For all the participants:

* Aged from 8 to 16 include.
* Free, informed, written, and signed consent of the holders of parental authority
* Free and informed consent of the minor
* Affiliation with or benefiting from a social security scheme.
* Ability to understand the instructions (investigator's assessment)

For the participant with Motor disorders (MD):

1. For children with CP:

   * CP diagnosis
   * Gross Motor Function Classification System level between I to IV.
   * Manual Ability Classification System level between I to IV.
2. For children with DCD:

   * A diagnosis of DCD

For the participant with typical development:

* No CP diagnosis
* No neurological trouble nor functional disfunction including developmental coordination disorder.

Exclusion Criteria:

* -Autism spectrum disorder diagnosed according to the DSM-5 (APA, 2015)
* Hearing deficiency diagnosed according to the DSM-5 (APA, 2015) or uncorrected hearing deficiency that doesn't allows the participant to hear a music with a sound level between 45 and 70 decibels.
* Visual deficiency diagnosed according to the DSM-5 (APA, 2015)
* Intellectual developmental disorder diagnosed according to the DSM-5 (APA, 2015)
* Behavioural disorders diagnosed according to the DSM-5 (APA, 2015)
* Diagnosed epilepsia
* Pregnancy (check in young pubescent and sexually active women) or breastfeeding.
* Children already include in ongoing interventional study.
* Children with both parent who benefit of legal protection (guardianship, curatorship, safeguard of justice).

Where this trial is running

Toulouse

• Toulouse Hospital — Toulouse, France (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: David GASQ, MD

Conditions Cerebral Palsy