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RecruitingNCT07747974Updated Aug 10, 2026

Effectiveness of Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Versus Mirror Therapy in Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy Children

An interventional study of Experimental and Control in Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy, sponsored by Ibadat International University, Islamabad. Recruiting at 1 site in Pakistan. Open to participants aged 5 Years to 9 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-08-10.

Sponsored by Ibadat International University, Islamabad · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
42
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
5 Years to 9 Years
Sex
All
01

Study summary

This randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness of Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (MCIMT) and Mirror Therapy in improving upper limb function among children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Upper limb dysfunction, including reduced grip strength, impaired manual dexterity, and increased spasticity, limits functional independence and participation in daily activities in these children. Although both interventions are widely used in pediatric rehabilitation, direct comparative evidence remains limited.

A total of 42 children aged 5-9 years diagnosed with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy were recruited from Akbar Kare Institute and Comprehensive Physical Rehabilitation Center, Peshawar. Participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly allocated into two equal groups using the sealed envelope method. Group A received Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy, while Group B received Mirror Therapy. Both groups received treatment for 30 minutes per session, five sessions per week, for six consecutive weeks.

Grip strength was assessed using the Hand-Held Dynamometer, manual dexterity using the Box and Block Test, and spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale. The findings of this study provide evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of these two rehabilitation approaches and may assist clinicians in selecting the most appropriate intervention for improving upper limb function in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Read the detailed description

This study employed a parallel-group randomized controlled trial design to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy and Mirror Therapy. Following ethical approval, eligible participants were recruited according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. After obtaining informed consent from parents or guardians, baseline assessments were performed.

Participants were randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups. Both groups received standardized treatment sessions lasting 30 minutes, five days per week for six weeks. Outcome measures included grip strength measured with a Hand-Held Dynamometer, manual dexterity measured using the Box and Block Test, and spasticity measured using the Modified Ashworth Scale. Assessments were conducted before and after completion of the intervention period. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 26 with a significance level of p \< 0.05.

02

Conditions studied

  • Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

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Keywords

  • cerebral palsy
  • upper extremity rehabilitation
  • mirror therapy
  • manual dexterity
  • hand strength
  • Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy
03

Who can participate

Ages eligible
5 Years to 9 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

  • Children aged 5-9 years.
  • Male and female participants.
  • Diagnosed with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
  • Modified Ashworth Scale Grade 1 or 1+.
  • Able to understand and follow verbal commands.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Severe fixed hand deformity.
  • Cognitive impairment.
  • Severe visual impairment.
  • Uncontrolled seizures.
  • Previous upper limb surgery.
04

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
None (open label)
Enrollment
42 participants (estimated)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy

    Participants received MCIMT for 30 minutes per session, five sessions per week for six weeks, together with conventional physiotherapy.

    Other: Experimental

  • Active comparator
    Mirror Therapy

    Participants received Mirror Therapy for 30 minutes per session, five sessions per week for six weeks, together with conventional physiotherapy.

    Other: Control

Interventions

  • OtherExperimental

    Participants received MCIMT for 30 minutes per session, five sessions per week for six weeks, together with conventional physiotherapy.

  • OtherControl

    Participants received Mirror Therapy for 30 minutes per session, five sessions per week for six weeks, together with conventional physiotherapy.

05

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Grip Strength

    Instrument: Hand-Held Dynamometer

    Time frame: Assessment Time: Baseline and 6 Weeks

Secondary outcomes

  1. Manual Dexterity

    Instrument: Box and Block Test Box and Block Test measures unilateral gross manual dexterity. A patient sits at a table and moves as many 2.5 cm wooden blocks as possible one by one from one compartment of a divided box to the other within a 60-second time limit.

    Time frame: Assessment Time: Baseline and 6 Weeks

  2. Spasticity

    Instrument: Modified Ashworth Scale The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) is a clinical 6-point grading system used to measure increased muscle tone or spasticity by assessing resistance during passive soft tissue stretching.

    Time frame: Assessment Time: Baseline and 6 Weeks

06

Study locations

1 of 1 sites recruiting
  • Ibadat International University
    Islamabad, 4700, Pakistan
    Recruiting
07

References and documents

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

No publications or documents are linked to this record.

08

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT07747974
Lead sponsor
Ibadat International University, Islamabad
Responsible party
Hafsah Arshad (Assistant professor, Ibadat International University, Islamabad) — Principal investigator
First posted
Aug 5, 2026
Start date
Mar 3, 2026
Primary completion
Aug 30, 2026 (estimated)
Completion
Sep 30, 2026 (estimated)
Last update
Aug 10, 2026

Study contacts

Hafsah Arshad, Phd*
Contact
hafsah.arshad@uipt.iiui.edu.pk
03315165234
Laiba Khushbakht, MS( Paeds)
Contact
laibakhushbakhtimdad@gmail.com
03401114118

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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