How arm and hand function affects participation for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy

Relationship Between Quality of Upper Limb Function and Participation Activities of Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

This project will see if better arm and hand function is linked to more participation at home, school, and in the community for children aged 5 to 8 with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 72 (estimated)
• Ages: 5 Years to 8 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Cairo University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Cairo)
• Trial ID: NCT07497100 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study will measure upper limb manual ability and participation in everyday activities in children aged 5–8 with hemiplegic cerebral palsy using clinical assessments and participation questionnaires. Eligible children will have mild to moderate spasticity in the affected upper limb (Modified Ashworth grades 1, 1+ or 2) and be able to follow simple instructions, with recent botulinum toxin injections or upper-limb surgery excluded. Researchers will compare manual ability scores with participation levels across home, school, and community domains to characterize their relationship. The work is conducted at the outpatient clinic of Cairo University's Faculty of Physical Therapy and is intended to inform occupational and physical therapy goal-setting and follow-up.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Children aged 5–8 with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, mild to moderate upper-limb spasticity (Modified Ashworth 1–2), who can follow simple instructions and attend inclusion education are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Children with severe visual, auditory, or perceptual impairments, fixed upper-limb deformities, significant cognitive or psychological problems, or recent botulinum toxin injection or orthopedic surgery are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If a clear link is found, results could help therapists set more relevant goals and tailor interventions to improve children's participation in daily life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous observational studies have suggested relationships between manual ability and participation, so this work extends existing evidence for a specific age group and clinical setting rather than testing a new treatment.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Children diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
* Both genders will be included.
* Children's age will be ranging from 5 to 8 years.
* The degree of spasticity in affected upper limb ranges from grade 1, 1+ and 2 according to Modified Ashworth Scale.
* Children are able to understand and respond to simple instructions.
* Children in inclusion education system.
* Parents are of nearly the same socioeconomic level and must have at least an average level of education.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Children will be excluded in the presence of the following:

  * Severe visual, auditory or perceptual impairment that interfere with the evaluation program.
  * Botulinum toxin injection in upper limb or recent orthopedic surgery within last 6 months (Alkan and Bingol,2021).
  * Fixed deformities in the affected upper limb. Significant mental or psychological problems that interfere with understanding instructions.

Where this trial is running

Cairo

• Outpatient clinic of faculty of physical therapy — Cairo, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Hoda AbdelAzim El talawy, professor — [e-mail]
• Study coordinator: Mourine Mounir Amir

Conditions Quality of Upper Limb Function; Participation Activities; Hemiplegic CP