Using Power Mobility Training to Promote Arm & Hand Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Cerebral Palsy, Hemiplegia, Infantile

In brief

Approximately 40% of children with ambulatory cerebral palsy have significant functional asymmetries in arm and hand function. Children with these significant functional asymmetries have difficulties using their more-affected (less preferred) arm and hand in daily activities, especially true in daily activities requiring bilateral hand and arm use. Recent research suggests that power mobility training provided via a ride-on toy may help to motivate these children to use their less preferred arm and hand. This research further notes that participation in power mobility training designed to encourage a child to use their less preferred arm and hand also may help to improve their arm and hand function and use in their daily activities. This exploratory study seeks to explore an innovative intervention using arm- and hand-use focused power mobility training activities, encompassing both navigational/maneuvering activities and embedded play-based reaching and grasping activities. During power mobility training activities, children will be asked to wear a soft mitten or sock on their preferred hand to help them remember to use their less preferred hand and arm. The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine both the effect and feasibility of a 6-week laboratory-based arm-and hand-use focused power mobility training program.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07342348

Run by

Grand Valley State University

People needed

10

Starts

2026-01-19

Expected to finish

2029-12-31

Last updated by the study team

2026-01-15

Who can join

Age: 3 and older, up to 8. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Diagnosis of cerebral palsy
• Demonstrates significantly less functional use of one arm and hand
• Can get on and off the a ride-on toy with minimal assistance from the researchers
• Can maintain a sitting position on the a ride-on toy
• Has sufficient functional vision to safely maneuver the a ride-on toy
• Has their own bicycle helmet that fits them well and is in good working condition

You may not qualify if…

• Hand or arm surgery within the past 6 months
• Their weight exceeds device limits (more than 120 pounds)
• They do not demonstrate sufficient balance and control in sitting to safely use the ride-on toy
• If they cannot safely participate in arm- and hand-use focused power mobility training activities.

Where it is running

• Grand Valley State University — Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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