Using a humanoid robot and virtual reality games to help children with cerebral palsy improve arm function
Effect of a Humanoid Robot With Virtual Reality Games to Train Arm Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy - THRIVE Trial
This study is testing if a fun system using a robot and virtual reality games can help kids with cerebral palsy improve their arm movement at home.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Georgia State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Atlanta, Georgia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06881407 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to enhance arm function in children with cerebral palsy (CP) through a home-based intervention using a humanoid robot combined with virtual reality games. The THRIVE system is designed to provide a motivating and tailored upper-extremity exercise program that encourages children to engage in repetitive movements necessary for improvement. By utilizing instant feedback and interactive play, the system seeks to increase compliance and motivation for home exercises. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this innovative approach in improving arm function among participants aged 5 to 21 years with spastic CP.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 5 to 21 years diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy who have a manual ability classification system level of I-III.
Not a fit: Patients who have had recent surgery or botulinum toxin injections in the training arm, or those with severe attention deficits or uncontrolled epilepsy, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve arm function and overall quality of life for children with cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of robotic and virtual reality interventions in rehabilitation is gaining traction, this specific combination for children with cerebral palsy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Participants are between the ages of 5 and 21 years; 2. diagnosed with spastic CP; 3. have a manual ability classification system (MACs) level I-III; 4. able to sit with trunk supported; 5. are able to reach forward for more than half of their arm length; 6. are able to comprehend and complete a three-steps commands; 7. are able to see a TV screen (with or without corrected vision); and 8. their primary caregiver is willing to follow the desired intervention dosing and all evaluation measurements. Exclusion Criteria: 1. they have received surgery or botulinum toxin type A injection in the training arm within the preceding 4 months or are scheduled to receive it during the planned intervention period, or 2. if they have a severe attention deficit or uncontrolled epilepsy, which may possibly be triggered by the light or sound of the video games.
Where this trial is running
Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Physical Therapy, Georgia State University — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yuping Chen, ScD, PT
- Email: ypchen@gsu.edu
- Phone: 404-413-1256
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.