Effects of Comprehensive Hand Repetition Intensive Strength Training on Upper Limb Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy

What this Trial Is About

Hemiplegic cerebral palsy is a condition where one side of the body, including the shoulder, arm, hand, leg, and foot, is completely paralyzed due to damage to the brain hemisphere controlling muscle movements. This paralysis leads to muscle wasting, impaired walking, reduced motor skills, instability, and difficulty with grasping, significantly affecting the quality of life in children aged 6 to 12 years. Researchers are investigating ways to improve upper limb function in children with this condition. The study is a randomized controlled trial comparing two types of therapies for children with cerebral palsy: Comprehensive Hand Repetitive Intensive Strength Training (CHRIST) and Routine Physical Therapy. Both treatments are given in 60-minute sessions, three times a week, for a total of 30 sessions over ten weeks. The CHRIST program includes treadmill training that supports the upper limb and specific arm postures to strengthen muscles, while Routine Physical Therapy uses a home exercise program with eight exercises targeting various arm and hand muscles. Children participating in the study will undergo assessments using the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test and ABIL Hand test to measure hand and upper limb function. Data will be collected and analyzed to evaluate the effects of the training programs. The study includes children who have normal communication and cognitive skills and excludes those with musculoskeletal injuries or who have taken medications affecting muscle strength or spasticity. Each session and overall progress will be carefully monitored during the ten-week period.

Comprehensive Hand Repetation Intensive Strength Training on Upper Limb in Children With Cerebral Palsy