Innovative home therapy games for children with cerebral palsy and speech issues
Official title: Enhancing Rehabilitation Outcomes in Cerebral Palsy Through Gamified Multidisciplinary Interventions: Integrating Speech and Upper Extremity Motor Therapy
Run by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · NCT06817941 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing fun computer games that help kids with cerebral palsy improve their speech and arm movements while making therapy more enjoyable.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 8 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, New Jersey) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 2027 |
| Study ends | August 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06817941 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children aged 8-17 with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, mild to moderate speech issues, and mild to moderate movement difficulties.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe vision impairment, severe arm weakness, or those who cannot follow simple task-related directions 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 study aims to develop and evaluate computer-based therapy games designed to improve speech intelligibility and upper extremity function in children aged 8-17 with hemiplegia from cerebral palsy. By combining speech and arm exercises in a gamified format, the study seeks to enhance engagement and motivation in therapy, making it more effective and sustainable. The research will assess the feasibility and effectiveness of these combined therapy games on children's speech, hand movement, and brain activation. The study will involve 15 children who meet specific inclusion criteria related to their condition and abilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve speech clarity and arm function in children with cerebral palsy, enhancing their overall communication and daily living skills.
How similar studies have gone: While the combination of speech and upper extremity therapy in a gamified format is innovative, previous studies have shown success with gamified approaches in therapy for children with similar conditions.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * (1) diagnosis of CP * (2) age between 8-17 years (i.e., pediatric age) * (3) use speech as the primary mode of communication * (4) mild to moderate dysarthria * (5) Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) level I to III * (6) Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I to IV * (7) mild to moderate muscle spasticity of the arm with a Modified Tardieu Scale of 0-3 * (8) pass bilateral pure-tone hearing screening at 25 dB HL (at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz) * (9) able to follow simple task-related directions, including repeating short phrases. Exclusion Criteria: * (1) severe vision impairment that limits the child's ability to interact with the entire computer screen * (2) dyskinetic CP or spastic diplegia * (3) English is not their first or primary language.
Where it's running
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Rutgers School of Health Professions
Newark, New Jersey, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Young Hwa M Chang, PhD, CCC-SLP — Rutgers University
- Study coordinator: Young Hwa M Chang, PhD, CCC-SLP
- Email: ym.chang@rutgers.edu
- Phone: 617-959-4597
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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.