Clinical trial NCT06942364: Action Observation Therapy in Hemiparetic CP: Impact on Balance & Lower Limb Function
Official title: The Effect of Action Observation Therapy on Balance and Lower Extremity Function in Children With Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: COMPLETED
Phase: NA
Conditions: Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy Children
Keywords: Action Observation Therapy
Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy
Balance
Lower Extremity Function
Rehabilitation
Lead sponsor: Pamukkale University
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2025-04-24
Enrollment: 20
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 5
Maximum age (years): 12
Standard ages: CHILD
Accepts healthy volunteers: no
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Intervention model description: The discovery of the mirror neuron system's role in motor learning has led to the development of Action Observation Therapy (AOT). In AOT, patients observe a video of specific movements or watch an instructor perform actions, then attempt to imitate them. This rehabilitation strategy is designed to repair damaged neural networks and re-establish motor function in individuals with central nervous system lesions. While several studies have shown that AOT can improve upper extremity function and reaching performance in children with CP, there is limited evidence regarding its effects on lower extremity function. Notably, no studies from our country have investigated the impact of AOT on balance and lower extremity function in children with CP.
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: Background:

Action Observation Therapy (AOT) leverages the mirror neuron system to enhance motor learning and is anticipated to improve upper extremity function in children with cerebral palsy. However, its effects on balance, lower extremity function, and gait performance in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy remain underexplored. The planned study aims to evaluate whether the addition of AOT to conventional physiotherapy will positively influence balance, lower extremity function, and gait performance in this population.

Objective:

The study is designed to assess the efficacy of incorporating AOT as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy in improving balance, lower extremity function, and gait performance in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.

Methods:

A patient cohort consisting of children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy (GMFCS levels I and II) is planned to be assembled.

It is expected that a total of 20 patients will be recruited and then randomly allocated into an experimental group and a control group.

The experimental group is scheduled to receive conventional physiotherapy in addition to AOT sessions, while the control group is planned to receive conventional physiotherapy only.

The intervention period is planned for 6 weeks, during which both groups will participate in 12 physiotherapy sessions.

Additionally, the experimental group is scheduled to undergo AOT sessions twice weekly, with each session lasting 30 minutes.

Outcome measures to be employed will include the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Pediatric Balance Scale, Five-Step Stair Climbing and Descending Test, and the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT).

This study is expected to systematically evaluate the potential benefits of adding AOT to standard physiotherapy regimens for enhancing balance, lower extremity function, and gait performance in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.


Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed hemiparetic type of cerebral palsy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any other types of cerebral palsy

Primary outcomes:
measure: Timed Up and Go Test
timeFrame: This test will be administered twice: once before and once after a 6-week intervention period comprising a total of 12 sessions.
measure: Pediatric Balance Scale
timeFrame: This test will be administered twice: once before and once after a 6-week intervention period comprising a total of 12 sessions.
measure: Five-Step Stair Climbing and Descending Test
timeFrame: This test will be administered twice: once before and once after a 6-week intervention period comprising a total of 12 sessions.
measure: 6-Minute Walk Test
timeFrame: This test will be administered twice: once before and once after a 6-week intervention period comprising a total of 12 sessions.
Secondary outcomes:
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Denizli
country: Turkey
facility: Pamukkale University Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
state: Kınıklı
Study officials:
References: