Play-based nerve mobilization to improve hand strength and dexterity in children with diplegic cerebral palsy
Effects of Play Based Neural Mobilisation Activities on Hand Grip Strength and Dexterity in Cerebral Palsy Children
This trial will try adding play-based nerve mobilization to regular physical therapy to see if it improves hand grip strength and dexterity in children aged 6–12 with diplegic cerebral palsy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07428928 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, single-blind controlled trial will enroll 16 children (age 6–12) with diplegic cerebral palsy (GMFCS III–IV, MACS II–III) at clinics in Lahore and randomly assign them to routine physical therapy with or without play-based neural mobilization. The intervention uses game-like activities (for example, a Simon Says format) to mobilize the ulnar, median, and radial nerves alongside standard therapy. Primary outcomes are hand grip strength measured with a dynamometer and manual dexterity measured with a pegboard test, collected over a 10-month study period. Convenience sampling is used and data will be analyzed in SPSS.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6–12 with diplegic cerebral palsy who are GMFCS level III–IV and MACS II–III, can follow commands, and have no major injuries in the past year.
Not a fit: Children who cannot follow commands, have a recent upper-limb injury, associated scoliosis, or non-diplegic forms of cerebral palsy are unlikely to benefit from this specific program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this low-cost, play-based addition could improve hand strength and dexterity and help children with daily self-care and play.
How similar studies have performed: Neural mobilization has shown functional and pain benefits in some musculoskeletal and neuropathic adult studies, but play-based nerve mobilization specifically in children with cerebral palsy is novel and evidence is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Inclusion Criteria: * Diplegic cerebral palsy patients * Both Girls and boys included * Age limit 6-12 years * CP child with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level III and IV(20) * CP child at MACS level II and III Exclusion Criteria: * • Patients with history of injury in 1 year. * Patients who cannot obey commands * CP children with associated scoliosis
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Acme Medical center, Liaqat medical center — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Uzma Irshad, MS-PT — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: IMRAN AMJAD, PhD
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 9233224390125
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.