Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy in a Pediatric Oncology Population

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Hemiplegia, Brain Tumor

In brief

Hemiplegia (weakness or poor muscle function on one side of the body) is a neurological impairment which can occur in children as a result of a brain tumor or related treatment. This impairment can negatively impact the child's functional abilities and movement development, making it difficult for them to play, learn to feed, dress or bathe themselves, and to participate fully in home, daycare, or school environments. Poor movement skills may also impact overall quality of life. Constraint Induced Therapy is a rehabilitation technique which has been found to improve the child's abilities to move their arms following neurological injuries like stroke and traumatic brain injury in both adults and children. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a constraint induced movement therapy program in a small group of children with a brain tumor and hemiplegia. Children who participate in the program may experience improved ability to use their weak arm leading to increased participation in meaningful activity and improved quality of life.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT01447810

Run by

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

People needed

10

Starts

2011-10-01

Expected to finish

2013-12-01

Last updated by the study team

2015-01-14

Who can join

Age: 2 and older, up to 12. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Diagnosed hemiplegia of an upper extremity as documented by physician or rehabilitation clinician in the medical record
• Diagnosis of brain tumor
• English speaking
• Participant has demonstrated the ability in the past to move the elbow >70 degrees and has some purposeful movement in the hand (ability to initiate a gross grasp).
• Parent/legal guardian is willing to give consent to participate in the study.
• Child is willing to give assent in the study if seven years old or older.

You may not qualify if…

• Severe hemiplegia and resulting active range of motion deficits at the affected upper extremity as defined by the following:
• < 30 degrees active shoulder flexion or abduction
• Inability to initiate active elbow flexion or extension.
• Inability to initiate movements at the of wrist, finger or thumb
• Uncontrolled seizures that interfere with daily activities, as this would interfere with the participant's ability to fully participate in the CI Therapy program.
• Pain that significantly interferes with the participant's ability to fully participate in the intensive therapy program. This includes pain related to subluxation of the shoulder, as measured by a pain rating of 5/10 or greater on the FACES or Numeric Pain Scale.
• Currently receiving oral or intravenous chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• Inability or unwillingness of legal guardian to give written informed consent.
• Child is unwilling to give assent if seven years old or older.

Where it is running

• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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