Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Intensive Somatosensory Camp for Manual Function and Participation in Children With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy
Sponsor: University of Castilla-La Mancha
Summary
This study will evaluate whether an intensive day camp that combines somatosensory and motor training for the affected upper limb improves hand function and participation in children with unilateral cerebral palsy more than an intensive motor-only camp of equal duration and intensity. Children aged 5 to 15 years with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy and Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) levels I-III will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups. The experimental group will receive an 8-day, 40-hour camp including structured tactile, proprioceptive and vestibular stimulation integrated into meaningful functional tasks for the upper limb. The control group will receive an 8-day, 40-hour camp focused exclusively on intensive motor training without specific somatosensory stimulation. The primary outcome is the change in spontaneous bimanual performance of the affected hand, measured with the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA). Secondary outcomes include measures of unilateral upper limb function, somatosensory function, hand grip strength, gross motor function, balance, trunk control, participation in daily activities and objective upper limb activity measured with wrist-worn accelerometers. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at follow-up visits approximately 2 and 3 months after the camp.
Official title: Intensive Somatosensory Camp for Manual Function and Participation in Children With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy: a Randomnized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
5 Years - 15 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
26
Start Date
2026-06-20
Completion Date
2026-12-31
Last Updated
2026-03-23
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Somatosensory-Motor Intensive Camp
Structured 8-day intensive rehabilitation camp (40 hours total, 5 hours/day) for children with unilateral cerebral palsy. Integrates somatosensory stimulation (tactile massage, texture discrimination, vibration therapy, proprioceptive exercises, vestibular/balance activities) within functional upper limb motor tasks, play-based workshops, and bimanual activities targeting spontaneous hand use and participation in daily activities.
Motor-Only Intensive Camp
Structured 8-day intensive rehabilitation camp (40 hours total, 5 hours/day) focused exclusively on upper limb motor training for children with unilateral cerebral palsy. Includes active range of motion exercises, grip strength training, fine motor coordination tasks (grasping, threading, block manipulation), reaching/coordination circuits without structured somatosensory stimulation.