Intensive rhythm-based dance program to improve learning skills in children with cerebral palsy
Official title: Effects of an Intensive Rhythmic Dance Program on Learning Ability in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Run by University Hospital, Toulouse · NCT07500896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try a rhythm-based intensive dance program to see if it helps children aged 6–17 with cerebral palsy improve motor learning and related skills.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 6 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Toulouse Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toulouse, Occitanie) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 17, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07500896 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 6–17 with a clinical diagnosis of cerebral palsy, GMFCS and MACS levels I–IV, who can follow instructions and attend sessions in Toulouse are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with autism spectrum disorder, uncorrected hearing or vision impairments, intellectual developmental disorder, severe behavioral disorders, or those unable to participate in dance activities are unlikely to benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational project enrolls children with cerebral palsy aged 6–17 to participate in an intensive rhythm-based dance program and uses repeated assessments to measure changes in motor learning and related skills. Participants with GMFCS and MACS levels I–IV who can understand instructions are included, while those with ASD, uncorrected hearing or vision loss, intellectual developmental disorder, or behavioral disorders are excluded. The intervention combines rhythmic auditory stimulation and multisensory dance activities delivered in a clinical setting, with standardized pre- and post-program testing of motor, cognitive, and psychosocial measures. Because the design is observational with repeated assessments rather than randomized, outcomes will describe associations and feasibility rather than prove causation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve motor learning, functional independence, and quality of life for children with cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research reports motor and psycho-affective benefits of dance and benefits of rhythmic auditory stimulation in other neurological disorders, but intensive rhythm-based dance specifically for children with cerebral palsy is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 6 and 17 years old * Diagnosis of cerebral palsy * Level I to IV on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS, Palisano et al., 2008) : with or without an armchair * Level I to IV on the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS, Eliasson et al., 2006) * Affiliation with or beneficiary of a Social Security scheme * Ability to understand instructions (investigator's assessment) Exclusion Criteria: * Autism spectrum disorder diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria (APA, 2013) * Hearing impairment diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria (APA, 2013) or uncorrected hearing impairment that prevents the individual from hearing music at a volume between 45 and 70 decibels * Visual impairment diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria (APA, 2013) and uncorrected * Intellectual Developmental Disorder diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria (APA, 2013) * Behavioral/conduct disorders diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria (APA, 2013) * Child enrolled in a dance program specifically focused on rhythm * Child whose parents are both subject to legal protection measures (guardianship, curatorship, judicial protection)
Where it's running
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CHU Toulouse - Hôpital Raymonde Fournet
Toulouse, Occitanie, France Recruiting
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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.