Actively Recruiting
Bimanual Training Versus Unilateral Task Specific Training in Children With Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy
Led by Montiha Azeem · Updated on 2026-03-09
46
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Cerebral palsy is one of the most common childhood neurological disorders and often results in weakness, poor coordination, and stiffness (spasticity) in one side of the body in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. These difficulties can significantly affect a child's ability to perform daily activities such as dressing, eating, playing, and school-related tasks. Upper limb rehabilitation plays a crucial role in improving independence and quality of life in these children. Two commonly used rehabilitation approaches are bimanual training, which focuses on using both hands together during functional tasks, and unilateral task-specific training, which focuses intensively on improving the affected hand through repetitive, goal-directed activities. Although both approaches are widely practiced in pediatric neurorehabilitation, there is limited direct comparison of their effectiveness in reducing spasticity and improving functional independence among children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy, particularly in the local population of Pakistan. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of bimanual training versus unilateral task-specific training in children aged 5-12 years diagnosed with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. A total of 46 participants will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups. Both groups will receive therapy three times per week for eight weeks. Spasticity will be measured using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and functional independence will be assessed using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention period. The results of this study may help clinicians, caregivers, and rehabilitation centers determine which therapy approach is more effective in improving upper limb function and independence in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Participation in this study is voluntary, and children may withdraw at any time without affecting their standard care.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Bimanual Training Versus Unilateral Task Specific Training in Children With Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Children aged 5 to 12 years diagnosed with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy
- Both males and females eligible
- Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I to III
- Modified Ashworth Scale score between 1 and 3 in upper limb muscles
- Ability to follow simple instructions
- Ability to sit unsupported for at least 30 seconds
You will not qualify if you...
- Children with mixed types of cerebral palsy (e.g., spastic quadriplegia, dyskinetic, or ataxic types)
- Orthopedic surgery or botulinum toxin injections in affected upper limb within past 6 months
- Severe visual, auditory, or sensory deficits
- Uncontrolled epilepsy or other neurological conditions compromising safety
- Fixed joint contractures or severe deformities limiting upper limb movement
- Severe behavioral or psychological disorders impairing participation
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan, 54000
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Muhammad Hasnain Soomro, MSPTN
CONTACT
M
Montiha Azeem, MSPTN
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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