Improving walking performance in children with cerebral palsy through a new therapy
Official title: A "MOtor Learning Based Intervention for Lower Extremities (MOBILE)" to Target Walking Performance in Ambulant Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Feasibility Study
Run by Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland · NCT06454656 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new therapy to see if it can help children with cerebral palsy walk better by focusing on their personal walking goals with support from their caregivers.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 14 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Balrath, Meath) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 12, 2024 |
| Main results expected | August 2026 |
| Study ends | June 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06454656 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (GMFCS Levels I-III) who have specific walking-related goals and can follow instructions.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have had recent surgeries, botox treatments, or significant cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate a novel motor learning intervention designed to enhance walking abilities in children with cerebral palsy. Participants will engage in 30 hours of therapy over six weeks, focusing on their individual walking goals while receiving support from their primary caregivers. The study will assess the therapy's acceptability and effectiveness through participant feedback and completion rates of therapy sessions. Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention to measure progress and satisfaction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve walking performance and quality of life for children with cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies utilizing motor learning theory in rehabilitation have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Primary diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy (GMFCS Levels I-III) * Has a specific walking related goal * Has capacity to follow instruction * Has a primary caregiver who can support a home program Exclusion Criteria: * Has had surgery within 6 months of intervention start date * Has had botox/ baclofen within 3 months of intervention start date * Has a dual diagnosis that impacts ability to follow instruction * Has a significant cognitive impairment
Where it's running
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Enable Ireland Bangla Therapy Centre
Balrath, Meath, Ireland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ailish Malone, PHD — Royal College of Surgeons
- Study coordinator: Caitriona M O'Shaughnessy
- Email: caitrionaoshaug22@rcsi.com
- Phone: 0833128927
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Effects of PNF and Task-Oriented Training on Upper-Limb Function in Children with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy
This study tests whether Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), Task-Oriented Training (TOT), or both together can improve upper-extremity function in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.
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Brain and spinal cord MRI changes in adults with cerebral palsy
We will look at past and new brain and spinal cord MRIs to see if adults with cerebral palsy develop brain or spinal cord atrophy over time.
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This study tests if a new therapy program can help young children with unilateral cerebral palsy improve their hand skills and everyday activities better than standard care.
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Sensory Integration Therapy vs Conventional Physical Therapy in Children With Mixed Cerebral Palsy
This study tests whether Sensory Integration Therapy helps improve gross motor function more than standard physical therapy in children aged 4–10 with mixed cerebral palsy.
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Manual Therapy Before Neuromotor Rehab in Children with Cerebral Palsy
In this pilot study, researchers test whether 30 minutes of lower-limb manual therapy before functional neuromotor therapy helps improve gait and motor performance in children with spastic cerebral palsy.
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Turkish version of ABILHAND-Kids Young CP: translation, adaptation, and reliability
A Turkish version of the ABILHAND-Kids Young CP questionnaire is being created and tested to see if it reliably measures manual ability in 2-to-7-year-olds with cerebral palsy, based on parent reports.
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.