PhiCube: a portable bilateral robot to help children improve arm movement
Official title: Pediatric Upper-Limb Rehabilitation With PhiCube, a Modular Bilateral End-Effector Device.
Run by Istituto di Sistemi e Tecnologie Industriali Intelligenti per il Manifatturiero Avanzato · NCT07092436 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will try a portable bilateral robot called PhiCube to improve upper-arm movement in children aged 4–18 with congenital or acquired neuromotor disorders and in a small group with developmental coordination disorder.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 4 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 54 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istituto di Sistemi e Tecnologie Industriali Intelligenti per il Manifatturiero Avanzato Academic / other |
| Locations | 6 sites (Bosisio Parini, LC and 5 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 17, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 2026 |
| Study ends | November 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07092436 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children aged 4–18 with a diagnosis of congenital or acquired neuromotor disorder (MAS <3, MACS I–IV) or with DCD, who can understand the activities and are able to attend the participating centers.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with severe sensory deficits, new medical conditions that prevent participation, rapidly worsening comorbidities, or inability to attend sessions 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 is a multicenter, within-group pilot study testing a modular, portable bilateral end-effector device (PhiCube) for pediatric upper-limb rehabilitation. Children aged 4–18 with congenital or acquired neuromotor disorders—and a smaller cohort with developmental coordination disorder (DCD)—will receive robotic bilateral upper-limb training. Standardized assessments, including the Melbourne Assessment-2 (MA2) as the primary outcome, will be administered before and after the intervention to measure changes in movement quality. The study focuses on feasibility, usability, and potential effects on movement planning as well as functional arm performance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, PhiCube could improve upper-limb movement quality and planning in children, potentially increasing their functional use of the affected arm and daily independence.
How similar studies have gone: Bilateral robotic and other robot-assisted upper-limb approaches have shown promising results in pediatric and adult neurorehabilitation, but PhiCube as a portable modular device is novel and currently supported only by pilot-level evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * For subjects with congenital and acquired neuromotor disorders: * Diagnosis of congenital and acquired neuromotor disorders * Age between 4 and 18 years at the time of recruitment * Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) less than 3 * MACS level I-IV * Sufficient capacity to understand the proposed activities * Availability to attend the facility * For subjects with developmental coordination disorder (DCD): * Diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) * Age between 4 and 18 years at the time of recruitment * Sufficient capacity to understand the proposed activities * Availability to attend the facility Exclusion Criteria: * For subjects with congenital and acquired neuromotor disorders: * Severe sensory deficits * Onset of pathologies that prevent participation * Worsening of pre-existing comorbidities * For subjects with developmental coordination disorder (DCD): * Severe sensory deficits * Onset of pathologies that prevent participation * Worsening of pre-existing comorbidities
Where it's running
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IRCCS Eugenio Medea
Bosisio Parini, Lc, Italy Recruiting -
IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris
Calambrone, Pi, Italy Recruiting -
Fondazione Don Gnocchi - Centro S. Maria al Mare
Salerno, Sa, Italy Recruiting -
IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini
Genova, Italy Recruiting -
Fondazione Don Gnocchi IRCCS - Centro Santa Maria Nascente
Milan, Italy Recruiting -
IRCCS Fondazione Mondino
Pavia, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Matteo Malosio, PhD
- Email: matteo.malosio@cnr.it
- Phone: +39.0341.235.0203
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Obstacle Course Training vs Neuromotor Task Training for kids with Developmental Coordination Disorder
This trial tests whether Obstacle Course Training or Neuromotor Task Training helps 7- to 10-year-olds with DCD improve motor planning and daily movement.
-
Virtual Park for Children: Dual-Task Training with Virtual Reality
This study tests whether a virtual reality, dual-task cycling program can slow motor decline and boost engagement for kids with neuromuscular diseases compared with standard therapy.
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.