Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Virtual Reality-Augmented Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Versus Conventional Constraint-Induced Therapy for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Children With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy.
Sponsor: Faculty of Medicine, Sousse
Summary
Cerebral palsy (CP) causes persistent motor and postural impairments that can limit children's functional independence and participation. Upper-limb rehabilitation traditionally relies on conventional therapies, while Virtual Reality (VR) provides an immersive, engaging environment that can improve motor function and quality of life. Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) promotes intensive use of the affected upper limb and has demonstrated benefits in motor and functional outcomes. Recent evidence suggests that combining VR with CIMT (VRCIT) may further improve upper-limb function, hand manipulation, and dexterity. However, in Tunisia, access to CIMT and VR-based rehabilitation remains limited, and no Tunisian study has yet evaluated the effectiveness of VRCIT in children with unilateral CP, highlighting an important research gap. Aim: Evaluate the effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Augmented Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy and constraint-induced movement therapy only in improving unimanual upper limb function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy.
Official title: Virtual Reality-Augmented Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Versus Conventional Constraint-Induced Therapy for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Children With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
4 Years - 14 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2026-10-01
Completion Date
2027-02-28
Last Updated
2026-10-16
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Rehabilitation intervention
All participants will undergo two assessment sessions, one at baseline and one at the end of the program. Clinical testing will consist of physical examination, assessing unimanual function through the Melbourne Assessment 2 (MA2), unilateral gross manual dexterity (The Box and blocks Test), spasticity through the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) for elbow and wrist, muscle strength grading (MRC), upper limb passive range of motion (PROM), and bimanual ability through ABILHANDS-KIDS questionnaire. The clinical outcome measures will be recorded by a researcher-resident in physical medicine and rehabilitation. After obtaining the oral consent of the participants' legal guardians, those who met the inclusion criteria will be divided in two groups: The first group will receive a CIMT program, the second group will undergo a VRCIT based-rehabilitation program, both for a period of two weeks. A clinical evaluation will be performed one day before the program.
Locations (1)
Department of PMR Sousse
Sousse, Tunisia