An interventional study of Arm- and hand-use focused power mobility training in Cerebral Palsy and Hemiplegia, Infantile, sponsored by Grand Valley State University. Not yet recruiting at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 3 Years to 8 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-09-11.
Sponsored by Grand Valley State University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
Approximately 40% of children with ambulatory cerebral palsy have significant functional asymmetries in arm and hand function. Children with these significant functional asymmetries have difficulties using their more-affected (less preferred) arm and hand in daily activities, especially true in daily activities requiring bilateral hand and arm use. Recent research suggests that power mobility training provided via a ride-on toy may help to motivate these children to use their less preferred arm and hand. This research further notes that participation in power mobility training designed to encourage a child to use their less preferred arm and hand also may help to improve their arm and hand function and use in their daily activities. This exploratory study seeks to explore an innovative intervention using arm- and hand-use focused power mobility training activities, encompassing both navigational/maneuvering activities and embedded play-based reaching and grasping activities. During power mobility training activities, children will be asked to wear a soft mitten or sock on their preferred hand to help them remember to use their less preferred hand and arm.
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 mobility training program.
Exclusion Criteria:
These arm- and hand-use focused power mobility training activities will be provided via a ride-on toy and will encompass both navigational/maneuvering activities and play-based reaching and grasping activities embedded into the navigational/maneuvering activities. During power mobility training activities, children will be asked to wear a soft mitten or sock on their preferred hand to help them remember to use their less preferred hand and arm.
Other: Arm- and hand-use focused power mobility training
These arm- and hand-use focused power mobility training activities will encompass both navigational/maneuvering activities and play-based reaching and grasping activities embedded into the navigational/maneuvering activities. During power mobility training activities, children will be asked to wear a soft mitten or sock on their preferred hand to help them remember to use their less preferred hand and arm.
Canadian Occupational Performance Measure
The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure rates parent/caregiver perceptions of their child's performance of 5 arm and hand skills. Each skill is rated from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 10. A higher score indicates a better outcome. The total score on all 5 items ranges from a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 50. A higher score indicates a better outcome.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks
ABILHAND-Kids-CP Questionnaire
The ABILHAND measures parents' perceptions of their child's manual ability and provides a comprehensive evaluation of the child's functional arm and hand ability. Parents estimate their child's ease or difficulty in performing 17 activities. Each activity is rated using a 3-point Likery scale as follows: 'Impossible=0, Difficult=1, Easy=2. Higher scores indicate a better outcome.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks
Shriner's Hospital Upper Extremity Evaluation
The Shriner's Hospital Upper Extremity Evaluationis a 16-item video-recorded test to assess spontaneous use and dynamic alignment of the affected UE during bimanual tasks. Higher scores indicate better outcomes.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks
Grip strength
Children's grip strength will be measured bilaterally. Higher values indicate a better outcome.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Plan to share: Undecided
This study is not yet recruiting, as verified in Sep 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Grand Valley State University