Using video games to improve motor and cognitive function in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy

Evaluation of the Usability, Safety, and Possible Beneficial Effects on Motor and Cognitive Functions Associated With Using a Neuro-rehabilitation Platform With Video Games in Pediatric Patients With Unilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Not applicable Interventional Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico · NCT05557305

This study is testing if playing video games can help improve movement and thinking skills in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy compared to regular therapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment84 (estimated)
Ages5 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico Academic / other
Locations1 site (Mexico City, Coyoacán, CDMX)
Trial IDNCT05557305 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study explores the effectiveness of video game therapy as a complementary treatment for children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a video game rehabilitation program or conventional occupational therapy for 10 weeks. Standardized tests will be conducted before, immediately after, and six months post-intervention to assess changes in motor and cognitive abilities. The goal is to determine if interactive applications can enhance rehabilitation outcomes compared to traditional methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 5 to 18 with upper extremity hemiparesis due to unilateral spastic cerebral palsy, residing in Mexico City.

Not a fit: Patients with severe medical conditions, joint instability, or cognitive impairments that hinder participation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more engaging and effective rehabilitation option for children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of video games in rehabilitation is gaining interest, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in this population.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Outpatients
* Both genders
* Reside in Mexico City and the metropolitan area
* Between 5 and 18 years old
* With upper extremity hemiparesis caused by Unilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy (USCP) on their dominant side or not
* Who are at levels I-III of the Manual Ability Classification System for Children with Cerebral Palsy (MACS)
* Score equal to or greater than 20 on the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity scale.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with joint instability (shoulder, elbow, or wrist)
* With severe concomitant medical problems such as congestive heart failure or seizures that prevent adequate attention to the task.
* Severe aphasia
* Hemineglect
* Visual disturbances that are not corrected with glasses
* Uncompensated hearing impairment
* Inability to understand instructions (Token Test \< 17)
* Patients receiving concurrent therapies.

Where this trial is running

Mexico City, Coyoacán, CDMX

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cerebral Palsy, SpasticHemiplegia, Spasticvirtual rehabilitationvideo gamesmotor functionspastic hemiparesiscerebral palsyunilateral spastic cerebral palsy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.