Home-based training to improve chewing and swallowing in children with cerebral palsy

The Effect of Home-Based Action Observation Training on Chewing and Swallowing Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Not applicable Interventional Ondokuz Mayıs University · NCT06268223

This study is testing if a new home-based training program can help children with cerebral palsy improve their chewing and swallowing skills.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorOndokuz Mayıs University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Samsun, Atakum)
Trial IDNCT06268223 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of home-based Action Observation Training (AOT) combined with Functional Chewing Training (FuCT) on the chewing and swallowing functions of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) who have chewing disorders. Participants will be divided into a study group receiving both AOT and FuCT, and a control group receiving only FuCT. The training will be conducted over 12 weeks, with the study group participating in telerehabilitation sessions. The primary focus is to assess improvements in chewing function, swallowing function, and feeding behavior.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6 to 18 diagnosed with cerebral palsy who have difficulties with chewing and swallowing solid foods.

Not a fit: Patients with neurodegenerative diseases, chronic illnesses affecting nutritional status, or those who have previously received chewing and swallowing training may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the chewing and swallowing abilities of children with cerebral palsy, improving their overall quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of AOT and FuCT may be novel, similar approaches in rehabilitation for children with CP have shown promise in improving functional outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy,
* Age between 6 and 18,
* IQ level of 70 or above,
* Having complaints related to chewing function and inability to manage solid food intake
* Feeding orally.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having a neurodegenerative disease other than Cerebral Palsy
* Having additional chronic illnesses such as systemic diseases, cancer, kidney diseases, gastrointestinal system diseases, etc., that may affect nutritional status,
* Experiencing visual or hearing impairment,
* Using any medication and/or oral device that may affect chewing performance,
* Having received previous chewing and/or swallowing training.

Where this trial is running

Samsun, Atakum

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 Cerebral PalsyChewing DiseaseAction Obervation Training
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.