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NCT Number: NCT07747974

Effectiveness of Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Versus Mirror Therapy in Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy Children

This randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness of Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (MCIMT) and Mirror Therapy in improving upper limb function among children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Upper limb dysfunction, including reduced grip strength, impaired manual dexterity, and increased spasticity, limits functional independence and participation in daily activities in these children. Although both interventions are widely used in pediatric rehabilitation, direct comparative evidence remains limited.

A total of 42 children aged 5-9 years diagnosed with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy were recruited from Akbar Kare Institute and Comprehensive Physical Rehabilitation Center, Peshawar. Participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly allocated into two equal groups using the sealed envelope method. Group A received Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy, while Group B received Mirror Therapy. Both groups received treatment for 30 minutes per session, five sessions per week, for six consecutive weeks.

Grip strength was assessed using the Hand-Held Dynamometer, manual dexterity using the Box and Block Test, and spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale. The findings of this study provide evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of these two rehabilitation approaches and may assist clinicians in selecting the most appropriate intervention for improving upper limb function in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

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Key information

Conditions

Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy Brain Damage, Chronic Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebral Palsy Nervous System Diseases

Age range

5 year–9 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Ibadat International University

Islamabad, 4700, Pakistan

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Hafsah Arshad, PhD*

CONTACT

[email protected]

03315165234

Laiba Khushbakht, MS (Paeds)

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

About this study

This study employed a parallel-group randomized controlled trial design to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy and Mirror Therapy. Following ethical approval, eligible participants were recruited according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. After obtaining informed consent from parents or guardians, baseline assessments were performed.

Participants were randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups. Both groups received standardized treatment sessions lasting 30 minutes, five days per week for six weeks. Outcome measures included grip strength measured with a Hand-Held Dynamometer, manual dexterity measured using the Box and Block Test, and spasticity measured using the Modified Ashworth Scale. Assessments were conducted before and after completion of the intervention period. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 26 with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Children aged 5-9 years.
  • Male and female participants.
  • Diagnosed with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
  • Modified Ashworth Scale Grade 1 or 1+.
  • Able to understand and follow verbal commands.

Exclusion criteria

  • Severe fixed hand deformity.
  • Cognitive impairment.
  • Severe visual impairment.
  • Uncontrolled seizures.
  • Previous upper limb surgery.

Treatment and study plan

Experimental

Other

Participants received MCIMT for 30 minutes per session, five sessions per week for six weeks, together with conventional physiotherapy.

Control

Other

Participants received Mirror Therapy for 30 minutes per session, five sessions per week for six weeks, together with conventional physiotherapy.

Primary outcomes

  1. Grip Strength

    Time frame: Assessment Time: Baseline and 6 Weeks

    Instrument: Hand-Held Dynamometer

Secondary outcomes

  1. Manual Dexterity

    Time frame: Assessment Time: Baseline and 6 Weeks

    Instrument: Box and Block Test Box and Block Test measures unilateral gross manual dexterity. A patient sits at a table and moves as many 2.5 cm wooden blocks as possible one by one from one compartment of a divided box to the other within a 60-second time limit.

  2. Spasticity

    Time frame: Assessment Time: Baseline and 6 Weeks

    Instrument: Modified Ashworth Scale The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) is a clinical 6-point grading system used to measure increased muscle tone or spasticity by assessing resistance during passive soft tissue stretching.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Hafsah Arshad, Phd*

CONTACT

[email protected]

03315165234

Laiba Khushbakht, MS( Paeds)

CONTACT

[email protected]

03401114118

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ibadat International University, Islamabad

Other

Registry information

Official study title

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare the Effectiveness of Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Versus Mirror Therapy on Grip Strength, Manual Dexterity, and Spasticity in Children With Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Aug 5, 2026
Registry last updated
Aug 10, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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