Sensory-Enhanced Asynchronous Tele-Rehabilitation Model for Improving Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Cairo University
- Enrollment
- 40
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Nine-Hole Peg Test
Overview
Brief Summary
PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a Sensory-Enhanced Home-based Intensive Program (SE-HIP), delivered via asynchronous video guidance, compared to a Standard Home Program (SHP) on improving upper limb function in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
BACKGROUND: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often have upper limb (UL) impairments that limit daily life and participation. Intensive, repetitive therapy is crucial, but traditional delivery has limitations. Home-based programs supported by tele-rehabilitation offer increased dosage and accessibility. Asynchronous models delivered via video guidance are flexible but are less studied for intensive upper limb therapy. Sensory processing deficits are common in cerebral palsy; integrating sensory enhancement may augment motor learning. Evidence combining sensory-enhanced intensive upper limb programs delivered asynchronously is lacking.
HYPOTHESES: The investigators hypothesized that children receiving the Sensory-Enhanced Home-based Intensive Program (SE-HIP) would demonstrate significantly greater improvements in primary upper limb functional outcomes, measured by the Box and Block Test (BBT) and the Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT), compared to those receiving the Standard Home Program (SHP).
RESEARCH QUESTION: Does a sensory-enhanced, asynchronous video-guided home program lead to significantly greater improvements in upper limb function (manual dexterity measured by the Box and Block Test (BBT) and the Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT)) compared to a standard video-guided home program in children with cerebral palsy (CP)?
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- Single (Participant)
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 5 Years to 10 Years (Child)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •Mild spasticity (MAS 1 or 1+), independent ambulation (AFOs permitted), and the ability to follow simple instructions
Exclusion Criteria
- •Significant fixed deformities, cognitive or sensory impairments hindering participation, uncontrolled epilepsy, or recent interventions like botulinum toxin or orthopedic surgery
Arms & Interventions
Sensory-Enhanced Home-based Intensive Program (SE-HIP)
Children receive videos that include sensory preparation and intensive motor practice as part of the Sensory-Enhanced Home-based Intensive Program (SE-HIP).
Intervention: Sensory-Enhanced Home-based Intensive Program (SE-HIP) (Other)
Standard Home Program (SHP)
Children receive videos that cover standard activities as part of the Standard Home Program (SHP).
Intervention: Standard Home Program (SHP) (Other)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Nine-Hole Peg Test
Time Frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of training
Assesses fine manual dexterity (finger dexterity). The patient places and removes nine pegs into a board as quickly as possible.
Box and Block Test
Time Frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of training
Assesses gross manual dexterity. The patient moves small wooden blocks across a partition in 60 seconds
Secondary Outcomes
No secondary outcomes reported
Investigators
Tamer Mohamed El-Saeed
Associate Professor
Cairo University