Hand and Bimanual Therapy in a VR game for children with cerebral palsy
Official title: Enhancing Upper Extremity Rehabilitation in Neurodiverse Children: Brain-Computer Interface Mediated Neurofeedback and Virtual Reality for Improved Engagement and Training Quality
Run by University of Nebraska · NCT06818877 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a VR-based hand therapy program called HABIT-VR can improve hand function in children aged 6–17 with cerebral palsy, compared to a standard VR HABIT-VR approach.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 51 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Nebraska Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Omaha, Nebraska) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 30, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 2028 |
| Study ends | June 2028 |
| Registry record updated | September 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06818877 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 6 to 17 years with cerebral palsy (unilateral or bilateral) and MACS I–IV, GMFCS I–III, who can follow verbal instructions, and a comparison group of typically developing children.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with CP who have items outside eligibility (e.g., severe motor or visual impairments, recent upper-extremity surgery or botulinum toxin) or inability to engage with VR tasks may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The trial compares two VR-based rehabilitation approaches for upper limb function in children with cerebral palsy. It uses a brain-computer interface to provide neurofeedback and tracks hand movements with 3-D motion capture during a two-week camp (40 hours total). Outcomes include functional hand measures such as the Assistive Hand Assessment and Box and Block Tests, assessed before and after the intervention. Participants include children with CP (unilateral or bilateral) and typically developing peers to support comparison. The study aims to develop a reliably delivering, cortically linked neurofeedback system for upper-extremity rehabilitation and to evaluate its impact on cortical activity and motor function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, HABIT-VR could enhance upper-limb function and motor planning in children with CP using engaging, tech-assisted therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests VR-based, HABIT-like interventions can improve motor planning and execution in CP, supporting potential benefit here.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * Children with cerebral palsy * Aged 6 to 17 * Unilateral and bilateral cerebral palsy (Hemiplegic or Diplegic cerebral palsy) * Manual Ability Classification System Score (MACS) between I-IV. * Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels ranging from I to III. * Ability to follow verbal instructions * Typically developing children * Aged 6 to 17 * Good physical health * Ability to follow verbal instructions Exclusion Criteria * Children with cerebral palsy * Other conditions leading to the inability to move the upper extremity or handle objects * Visual impairments preventing the performance of intervention and testing tasks * Received an intensive therapeutic intervention involving upper extremities, botulinum toxin in an upper extremity within the past 6 months, or any upper extremity surgery in the past year * Typically developing children * Chronic illnesses or medical conditions that could impact their development * Significant behavioral or emotional issues that could indicate developmental disorders or psychological conditions * Diagnosed developmental disorders \[e.g., autism, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities\]
Where it's running
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University of Nebraska Medical Center, Munroe-Meyer Institute
Omaha, Nebraska, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ahad Behboodi, PhD — University of Nebraska
- Study coordinator: Ahad Behboodi, PhD
- Email: abehboodi@unomaha.edu
- Phone: 402-554-7525
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Sensory Integration Therapy vs Conventional Physical Therapy in Children With Mixed Cerebral Palsy
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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.