Virtual Reality and Dual-Task Training for Cortical Plasticity in Children With Brachial Plexus Injury

Enrolling by invitation · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy, Physical Therapy

In brief

Brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) is a condition that occurs when the nerves controlling the arm are injured during birth, leading to weakness, limited movement, and sensory problems. These motor difficulties may also affect cognitive processes related to movement. BPBI requires long-term follow-up and rehabilitation. This study will compare two treatment approaches in children with BPBI: * virtual reality (VR)-based exercises, and * motor-cognitive dual-task exercises. We will examine their effects on brain adaptation (cortical activation), muscle strength, joint motion, proprioception, and upper-limb function. Fourteen children aged 7-14 years will be randomly assigned to one of the two programs, each delivered for 12 weeks. Afterward, participants will continue a 9-month home program. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, after treatment, and at 12 months, including functional MRI (fMRI). This study will be the first to evaluate long-term brain changes and functional outcomes after these two rehabilitation approaches in children with BPBI.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT07291310
Run by: Istanbul Aydın University
People needed: 14
Starts: 2026-04-01
Expected to finish: 2029-01-01
Last updated by the study team: 2026-08-04

Who can join

Age: 7 and older, up to 14. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

Children aged 7-14 years
Diagnosed with unilateral DBPP
C5-C6 or C5-C7 involvement (Narakas I, IIa, IIb)
Modified Pediatric Mini-Mental Scale score ≥26
Child and parent willing to participate in the study

You may not qualify if…

Previous nerve surgery for DBPP
Surgery within the past year or Botulinum Toxin injection within the past 3 months
Any neurological condition other than DBPP
Vision or hearing impairments affecting participation
Contraindications for fMRI
Fixed contractures in shoulder, elbow, wrist, or finger joints
Participation in regular physiotherapy or other rehabilitation programs within the past 3 months

Where it is running

Biruni University — Istanbul, Cevizlibağ, Turkey (Türkiye)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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