Therapeutic games to improve balance, thinking, and daily life for children with cerebral palsy
Effects of Serious Games on Cognitive Function, Balance, and Quality of Life in Children With Cerebral Palsy: a Randomized Controlled Trial
This project will test whether specially designed therapeutic games that combine movement and thinking can improve balance, memory, attention, and daily participation in children with cerebral palsy who can attend school (GMFCS I–III).
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 14 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Elita Rehabilitation Center Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 1 site (Lviv, Lviv Oblast) |
| Trial ID | NCT07158424 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional program uses the Vana Vital 'serious games' platform that asks children to move while completing cognitive tasks (dual-tasking) to target balance, trunk control, memory, attention, and problem-solving. Children with CP (GMFCS I–III) attend supervised sessions at Elita Rehabilitation Center where game-based exercises are combined with intensive physical therapy over a defined treatment period. Outcome measures include objective tests of trunk stability and balance, standardized cognitive tests for memory and attention, and questionnaires measuring participation and quality of life. The protocol excludes children with GMFCS IV–V, uncontrolled seizures, or uncooperative behavior and compares baseline and post-intervention performance to see if the program produces benefit.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children diagnosed with cerebral palsy who are classified GMFCS I–III, can attend school and follow instructions, and do not have uncontrolled seizures are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children with GMFCS IV–V, uncontrolled seizures, or markedly uncooperative behavior are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve trunk control, cognitive skills like memory and attention, and participation in daily activities for children with cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small studies and rehabilitation programs using dual-task training and therapeutic games have shown promising improvements in balance and cognitive function, but large, definitive trials in children with CP are still limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of cerebral palsy * Ability to attend the educational institutions * GMFCS I, II, III Exclusion Criteria: * GMFCS IV, V * Uncooperative behaviour * Uncontrolled seizures
Where this trial is running
Lviv, Lviv Oblast
- Elita Rehabilitation Center — Lviv, Lviv Oblast, Ukraine (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Dr Anna D Kushnir, MD
- Email: anna@ic.reha.lviv.ua
- Phone: +380991813741
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.