--- title: Bimanual Training Versus Unilateral Task Specific Training in Children With Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy nct_id: NCT07437274 overall_status: RECRUITING phase: NA sponsor: Montiha Azeem study_type: INTERVENTIONAL primary_condition: Spastic Cerebral Palsy (sCP) countries: Pakistan canonical_url: "https://parkinsonspathways.com/agent/trials/NCT07437274.md" clinicaltrials_gov: "https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07437274" ct_last_update_post_date: 2026-03-09 last_seen_at: "2026-05-12T06:05:10.785Z" source: ClinicalTrials.gov (mirrored, no enrichment) --- # Bimanual Training Versus Unilateral Task Specific Training in Children With Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy **NCT ID:** [NCT07437274](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07437274) ## Key Facts - **Status:** RECRUITING - **Phase:** NA - **Study Type:** INTERVENTIONAL - **Target Enrollment:** 46 - **Lead Sponsor:** Montiha Azeem - **Conditions:** Spastic Cerebral Palsy (sCP) - **Start Date:** 2026-03-01 - **Completion Date:** 2026-05-02 - **CT.gov Last Update:** 2026-03-09 ## Brief Summary 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. ## Detailed Description Study Design This study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to compare the effectiveness of bimanual training and unilateral task-specific training on spasticity and functional independence in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Study Setting and Duration Data will be collected from Sukkur Institute of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Blood Bank Hospital Sukkur, and Hidayat Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Center. The study duration will be nine months following approval of the synopsis. Sample Size The calculated sample size is 46 participants, including a 20% anticipated dropout rate. The sample size was determined using the formula for comparing two means with a 95% confidence interval and 80% power. The final estimated sample includes 19 participants per group (38 total), adjusted to 46 to accommodate potential attrition. Sampling Technique and Randomization Participants will be recruited using a non-probability convenient sampling technique. After enrollment, children will be randomly assigned into two groups (Group A and Group B) using the sealed envelope method to ensure allocation concealment. Selection Criteria Inclusion Criteria Children aged 5-12 years diagnosed with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. GMFCS levels I-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. Exclusion Criteria Mixed types of cerebral palsy. Recent orthopedic surgery or botulinum toxin injection within 6 months. Severe sensory deficits. Uncontrolled epilepsy. Fixed contractures in the upper limb. Severe behavioral or psychological disorders affecting participation. Operational Definitions Spasticity Spasticity is defined as a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone resulting from hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex. It will be measured using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), graded from 0 to 4, with higher scores indicating greater spasticity. Functional Independence Functional independence is defined as the child's ability to perform age-appropriate daily activities without physical assistance. It will be measured using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), covering self-care, mobility, and social function domains. Interventions Group A - Bimanual Training Participants will receive structured bimanual training focused on improving coordinated use of both hands during functional tasks. Therapy will be delivered 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks, each session lasting 60 minutes. Activities will include buttoning, folding clothes, opening containers, block building, and bilateral play tasks. Sessions will be divided into three 20-minute blocks with 5-minute rest intervals. Group B - Unilateral Task-Specific Training Participants will receive unilateral task-specific training targeting the affected upper limb. Therapy will be delivered 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks, each session lasting 60 minutes. Activities will include grasp-and-release, reaching, stacking, drawing, card flipping, and object manipulation. The unaffected hand may be mildly restrained when necessary to encourage use of the affected limb. Baseline Treatment Both groups will receive standardized baseline physiotherapy education, including passive range-of-motion exercises, stretching, spasticity management techniques, and postural guidance. A home exercise booklet will be provided to caregivers. Data Collection Procedure Baseline assessments will be conducted before intervention. Post-intervention assessments will be performed after 8 weeks by blinded assessors to ensure objectivity. Data will be recorded on structured forms and securely stored for analysis. Ethical Considerations The study will be conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki and institutional ethical guidelines. Written informed consent will be obtained from parents or guardians. Participation will be voluntary, and confidentiality will be strictly maintained. Participants may withdraw at any time without affecting their standard care. ## Eligibility - **Minimum age:** 5 Years - **Maximum age:** 15 Years - **Sex:** ALL - **Healthy Volunteers:** No ``` Inclusion Criteria: Both male and female Children diagnosed with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy (confirmed by a pediatric neurologist or rehabilitation specialist). Age range: 5 to 12 years (suitable for both bimanual and unilateral task-specific training). Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to III (ambulatory with or without limitations). Modified Ashworth Scale score between 1 and 3 in the upper limb muscles (indicating mild to moderate spasticity). Minimum cognitive ability to follow simple instructions, verified using screening tools (e.g., MMSE adapted for children). Ability to sit unsupported for at least 30 seconds (to ensure safe participation in therapy). Exclusion Criteria: Children with mixed types of cerebral palsy (e.g., spastic quadriplegia, dyskinetic, or ataxic types). Recent orthopedic surgery or botulinum toxin injections in the affected upper limb within the past 6 months. Severe visual, auditory, or sensory deficits that could interfere with therapy participation or assessment accuracy. Uncontrolled epilepsy or other neurological conditions that could compromise safety during therapy. Fixed joint contractures or severe deformities in the upper limbs that limit passive range of motion Children with behavioral or psychological disorders (e.g., severe ADHD, autism spectrum disorder) that impair attention or participation ``` ## Arms - **group A Bimanual Training Group** (EXPERIMENTAL) — Participants in this group will receive structured bimanual training designed to improve coordination, reduce spasticity, and enhance functional use of both upper limbs. The intervention will be delivered three sessions per week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting 60 minutes. Activities will include repetitive, goal-directed bilateral tasks such as buttoning shirts, folding clothes, opening containers, building with blocks, and bimanual play activities. Each session will be divided into three 20-minute activity blocks with 5-minute rest intervals to prevent fatigue. All sessions will be supervised by a certified pediatric physiotherapist trained in neurorehabilitation. In addition, participants will receive standardized baseline physiotherapy education at the start of the study. - **group B Unilateral Task-Specific Training Group** (ACTIVE_COMPARATOR) — Participants in this group will receive unilateral task-specific training focused on intensive use of the affected upper limb to promote neuroplasticity and functional recovery. The intervention will be delivered three sessions per week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting 60 minutes. Activities will include grasp-and-release exercises, reaching, stacking, drawing, flipping cards, and manipulation of objects using the affected hand. The unaffected hand may be mildly restrained when necessary to encourage active use of the affected limb without causing frustration. Sessions will be structured into three 20-minute blocks with 5-minute rest intervals. Standardized baseline physiotherapy education will also be provided at the beginning of the study. ## Interventions - **Bimanual Training** (BEHAVIORAL) — Bimanual training is a structured, task-oriented upper limb rehabilitation program designed to promote coordinated use of both hands during functional, goal-directed activities. The intervention emphasizes active involvement of the affected upper limb within bilateral tasks rather than isolating it. Therapy will be delivered three sessions per week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting 60 minutes. Each session will consist of three 20-minute activity blocks with 5-minute rest intervals to reduce fatigue. Activities will include age-appropriate, real-life bilateral tasks such as buttoning shirts, folding clothes, opening containers, building with blocks, drawing with both hands, catching and throwing balls, and interactive bimanual play tasks. Task complexity will be progressively increased based on the child's tolerance and performance. Unlike unilateral training, this approach focuses on improving interlimb coordination, motor planning, and functional integration of both upper limb - **Unilateral Task-Specific Training** (BEHAVIORAL) — Unilateral Task-Specific Training ## Primary Outcomes - **Change in Upper Limb Spasticity Measured by Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)** _(time frame: Baseline (Week 0) mid week(4), Post-intervention (Week 8))_ — Spasticity will be assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), a standardized clinical tool used to measure velocity-dependent resistance to passive muscle stretch. The MAS grades muscle tone on a scale from 0 to 4, with higher scores indicating greater spasticity. Upper limb muscle groups (including elbow flexors, wrist flexors, and finger flexors) will be evaluated by trained physiotherapists. The primary outcome will be the change in MAS score from baseline to post-intervention, comparing the effectiveness of bimanual training versus unilateral task-specific training in reducing spasticity. ## Locations (1) - University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan — _RECRUITING_ ## Recent Field Changes (last 30 days) - `status.overallStatus` — added _(2026-05-12)_ - `status.primaryCompletionDate` — added _(2026-05-12)_ - `status.completionDate` — added _(2026-05-12)_ - `status.lastUpdatePostDate` — added _(2026-05-12)_ - `design.phases` — added _(2026-05-12)_ - `design.enrollmentCount` — added _(2026-05-12)_ - `eligibility.criteria` — added _(2026-05-12)_ - `eligibility.minAge` — added _(2026-05-12)_ - `eligibility.maxAge` — added _(2026-05-12)_ - `eligibility.sex` — added _(2026-05-12)_ - `outcomes.primary` — added _(2026-05-12)_ - `armsInterventions.arms` — added _(2026-05-12)_ - `armsInterventions.interventions` — added _(2026-05-12)_ - `sponsor.lead` — added _(2026-05-12)_ - `results.hasResults` — added _(2026-05-12)_ - `locations.university of lahore teaching hospital, lahore|lahore|punjab province|pakistan` — added _(2026-05-12)_ --- *Canonical: https://parkinsonspathways.com/agent/trials/NCT07437274.md* *Source data (authoritative): https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07437274* *This page is a raw mirror with no AI summary, no editorial enrichment, and no Parkinson's-specific filtering.*