10 Participants Needed

Power Mobility Training for Cerebral Palsy

LK
Overseen ByLisa K. Kenyon, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS
Age: < 18
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Grand Valley State University
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new method to help children with cerebral palsy improve the use of their less-preferred arm and hand. The study uses a ride-on toy to encourage children to engage their weaker arm during enjoyable activities. Researchers aim to determine if this playful training, called arm- and hand-use focused power mobility training, can simplify daily tasks for these children. Children with cerebral palsy who struggle to use one arm might be suitable if they can safely sit on and operate a ride-on toy. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for children to participate in innovative therapy that could enhance their daily lives.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

What prior data suggests that this power mobility training is safe for children with cerebral palsy?

Research has shown that power mobility training is generally well-received by children. Studies have found positive short-term benefits from daily power mobility training, indicating it can be a practical and safe method. In this specific program, children use a ride-on toy to practice using their arms and hands. During these activities, children wear a soft mitten or sock on their favorite hand to encourage the use of their other hand. No serious side effects have been reported from this type of training. The goal is to make the activities both enjoyable and useful, helping children improve their arm and hand skills for everyday tasks.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this power mobility training for cerebral palsy because it focuses specifically on improving arm and hand use through fun and interactive activities. Unlike traditional therapy options that often focus on muscle strengthening or motor skills through repetitive exercises, this training uses a ride-on toy with play-based reaching and grasping activities. A unique aspect of this approach is encouraging children to use their less preferred hand by having them wear a soft mitten or sock on their preferred hand. This innovative method aims to make rehabilitation engaging and effective, potentially leading to better outcomes in children's motor skills and independence.

What evidence suggests that power mobility training is effective for improving arm and hand function in children with cerebral palsy?

Research shows that power mobility training, which participants in this trial will receive, encourages children with cerebral palsy to use their less favored arm and hand. Studies have found that similar therapies improve the ability to use both hands together, enhance the skill of using one hand, and aid in self-care activities. This method uses ride-on toys to promote movement and play, helping with reaching and grasping tasks. Although this study is in the early stages, it builds on proven methods that enhance personal goal achievement and satisfaction. These initial findings suggest a promising way to improve daily activities for children facing these challenges.12456

Who Is on the Research Team?

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Lisa K. Kenyon, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS

Principal Investigator

Grand Valley State University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for children with ambulatory cerebral palsy who have significant differences in arm and hand function, making it hard to use their less preferred arm and hand. The study aims to help these kids by using power mobility training.

Inclusion Criteria

Has their own bicycle helmet that fits them well and is in good working condition
I can see well enough to safely use a ride-on toy.
I have limited use of one arm and hand.
See 3 more

Exclusion Criteria

I cannot safely do activities that require using my arms and hands intensively.
I have had hand or arm surgery in the last 6 months.
I weigh more than 120 pounds.
See 1 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo a 6-week laboratory-based arm-and hand-use focused power mobility training program using a ride-on toy, with activities designed to encourage use of the less preferred arm and hand.

6 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including assessments of grip strength.

2 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Arm- and hand-use focused power mobility training

Trial Overview

The intervention being tested is a 6-week program of power mobility training that encourages the use of the child's less preferred arm and hand through play-based activities. A ride-on toy is used, and children wear a mitten on their preferred hand.

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Arm- and hand-use focused power mobility training groupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Grand Valley State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
13
Recruited
8,700+

Citations

Using Power Mobility Training to Promote Arm & Hand ...

The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine both the effect and feasibility of a 6-week laboratory-based arm-and hand-use focused power ...

Effectiveness of hand-arm bimanual intensive therapy ...

This therapy results in improvements in bimanual ability, unilateral dexterity, self-care function, functional goal performance and satisfaction ...

Power Mobility Training for Cerebral Palsy

This exploratory study seeks to explore an innovative intervention using arm- and hand-use focused power mobility training activities, ...

A Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial of Hand Arm ...

Gains in manual ability, self-care, and goal performance were retained 26 weeks postbaseline. Our results differ from those of a small quasi-randomized trial of ...

Using Power Mobility Training to Promote Arm & Hand ...

The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine both the effect and feasibility of a 6-week laboratory-based arm-and hand-use focused power ...

Short-term, Early Intensive Power Mobility Training: Case ...

These findings suggest that daily power mobility training is possible and may have yielded positive short-term effects for this young infant at high risk for ...