Intensive upper-limb rehabilitation program for children and teenagers with cerebral palsy
Effect of an Intensive Rehabilitation Protocol Combining Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy and Bimanual Training on Upper Limb Use and Gross Motor Function in Children and Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy
This program tries two intensive therapies—constraint-induced movement therapy and bimanual intensive therapy—to improve arm and hand use in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Fondation Ellen Poidatz Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry, Île-de-France Region) |
| Trial ID | NCT07285837 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional program delivers concentrated upper-limb rehabilitation using two established approaches: Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT), which restricts the unaffected limb to encourage use of the affected limb, and Bimanual Intensive Therapy (BIT), which trains both hands together to improve coordination. Eligible participants are children and adolescents aged 3–17 with CP and GMFCS/MACS levels I–IV who can follow simple instructions. Treatment occurs at the Fondation Ellen Poidatz in Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry and excludes those with recent surgery or botulinum toxin injections, significant pain, or behavioral disorders. The protocol aims to maximize functional gains through short-term intensive training rather than standard, lower-frequency rehabilitation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children and adolescents aged 3–17 with a clinical diagnosis of cerebral palsy, GMFCS and MACS levels I–IV, able to cooperate with instructions and covered by the French social security system are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with injuries or pain preventing participation, significant behavioral disorders, or those who had botulinum toxin injections or surgery within the past six months are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could increase hand and arm function and improve independence in daily activities for participating children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that both CIMT and BIT can improve upper-limb function in children with cerebral palsy, so this program applies established intensive rehabilitation approaches rather than an entirely novel therapy.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * A clinical diagnosis of CP mentioned in the medical record * Aged between 3 and 17 years inclusive (\<18 years) * Global Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) levels I to IV * Ability to cooperate, understand and follow simple instructions * Patient affiliated to the French social security system * Voluntary patient whose parents have given their consent for their child to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of injuries incompatible with participation in the program, or pain rated \>3 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) * Presence of behavioral disorders * History of botulinum toxin injections or surgical intervention within six months prior to study enrollment.
Where this trial is running
Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry, Île-de-France Region
- Fondation Ellen Poidatz — Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry, Île-de-France Region, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Éric Desailly, PhD
- Email: eric.desailly@fondationpoidatz.com
- Phone: +33160652765
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.