Upper limb sensation and hand function in children with cerebral palsy
Upper Extremity Sensation and Impact on Functional Use in Daily Activities in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Comparison With Typically Developing Peer
This project will test whether differences in arm and hand sensation are linked to how well children aged 6–15 with spastic cerebral palsy use their hands in daily activities, compared with typically developing peers.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 15 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Abant Izzet Baysal University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bolu) |
| Trial ID | NCT07352735 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a cross-sectional comparison of 12 children with spastic cerebral palsy and 12 typically developing peers aged 6–15. Researchers will record sociodemographic data and perform a multidimensional sensory battery including vibration sense, stereognosis, tactile sense, two-point discrimination, and joint position sense. Hand function will be measured with the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test and parents will complete the Abilhand Kids questionnaire. The goal is to clarify which sensory deficits are most closely linked to reduced hand use in daily activities and to inform rehabilitation priorities.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 6–15 with a diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy who can actively move their wrists, have not had upper-extremity surgery or botulinum toxin within the past 6 months, and who can assent with parental consent; the study also recruits typically developing peers aged 6–15 as controls.
Not a fit: Children with severe spasticity that prevents active wrist movement, recent upper-extremity surgery or botulinum toxin injections within 6 months, or those outside the 6–15 age range are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If clear links are identified, clinicians could better target sensory training to improve hand coordination and everyday hand use in children with cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have reported links between sensory impairments and motor function in cerebral palsy, but few have used a comprehensive battery including vibration and stereognosis, so this multidimensional approach is partly supported yet still relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for Cerebral Palsy participants: * Having a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy * Being between the ages of 6 and 15 * Volunteering to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria for Cerebral Palsy participants: * Presence of spasticity that limits active wrist movements * Having undergone botulinum toxin or surgical procedures involving the upper extremities within the last 6 months Refusing to participate in the study Inclusion Criteria for Typical Developing participants: * Being between the ages of 6 and 15 * Volunteering to participate in the study Exclusion criteria for Typical Developing participants: * Refusing to participate in the study * Having a history of upper extremity injury or dysfunction or mental disability
Where this trial is running
Bolu
- Bolu abant Izzet Baysal University — Bolu, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sezen Tezcan, Ph.D — Abant Izzet Baysal University
- Study coordinator: Sezen Tezcan
- Email: fztsezen@windowslive.com
- Phone: +905445723731
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.