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NCT Number: NCT07654595

Digital Mirror Versus Action Observation Therapy on Upper Limb Function and Grip Strength in Children With Hemiplegia

Statement of problem:

1. Does the digital mirror therapy has effect on upper limb function and grip strength in children with hemiplegia ? 2. Does the action observation therapy has effect on upper limb function and grip strength in children with hemiplegia ? 3. Does there is a difference between effect of digital mirror therapy and action observation therapy on upper limb function and grip strength in children with hemiplegia?

Null hypothesis:

there is no effect of digital mirror therapy on upper limb function and grip strength in children with hemiplegia. There is no effect of action observation therapy on upper limb function and grip strength in children with hemiplegia. There is no difference between effect of digital mirror therapy and Action observation therapy on upper limb function and grip strength in children with hemiplegia.

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This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

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Key information

Conditions

Hemiplegia Action Observation Therapy Digital Mirror Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Paralysis Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

6 year–8 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Cairo university

Cairo, Egypt

About this study

Subjects:

The study targets the children from both sexes,diagnosed with hemiplegia,Sample size estimation will be carried out to determine the recruited number of children, selected randomly from Cairo University pediatric specialized hospital, Cairo to participate in the study,

Study design:

Randomized controlled clinical trial, Children will receive intervention type randomly(3 groups), 15 children will receive digital mirror therapy,15 children will receive action observation therapy, 15 children will receive designed occupational therapy program.

Children will be assessed by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Manual ability classification system (MACS) for inclusion and Quality of upper extremity skill test, Box and Block Test (BBT) and Hand held dynanmometer which reflect clinical improvement in upper limb function and grip strength before and after 3 months of receiving intervention

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • 1 Diagnosed with unilateral cerebral palsy (hemiplegia). 2- Age range from 6 to 8 years. 3- Can understand verbal commands. 4- Their gross motor classification system (GMFCS) at level II or III. 5- Their manual ability classification system(MACS) at level II or III.

Exclusion criteria

1- Any visual problem. 2- Upper limb contracture or fixed deformity. 3- Uncontrolled convulsion. 4- Surgical procedures in upper limbs. 5- Botox injection in the past 6 months.

Treatment and study plan

digital mirror therapy

Other

Child will be asked to do the same exercises mentioned in the designed occupational therapy program with the less affected upper limb and the web cam camera will record the movement, instantly transformed into mirror images of the more affected upper limb's movements presented on the screen in front of child.

Action observation therapy

Other

the child will be offered to tablet screen put in front of him 50 centimeters away, time for each video will last for 2 min. Then, the child will be asked to repeat the observed action in the best possible way. All the activities included in the designed occupational therapy program will be observed and imitated.

designed occupational therapy program

Other

Active occupational therapy exercises for upper limb training. The three common categories of motor actions and tasks:

(a) Active range of motion(ROM) exercises for elbow extension, wrist extension, forearm supination, finger extension using rubber band and finger flexor by squeezing a stress ball ,(b) Reaching forward and object manipulation as moving beads and blocks from one cup to another one, rolling a clay ball from tip of fingers to the palm. thumb to fingers opposition and drawing using tripod grasp.

Primary outcomes

  1. assessment of upper limb function

    Time frame: 3 months

    The Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) is one of the most recommended assessment tools. It aims to evaluate upper limb movement quality and capacity in children with CP, it has four domains dissociated movement, grasp, protective extension and weight bearing.

  2. assessment of manual dextriry

    Time frame: 3 months

    Box and block test (BBT) examines essential components of manual dexterity for developing children, such as grasping, holding, transferring, and releasing

  3. assessment of grip strength

    Time frame: 3 months

    Hydraulic Handheld Dynamometer will be used to assess the maximum isometric strength of the hand muscles, Grip strength is a key predictor of functional ability. Neuralplasticity, sensorimotor integration, and musculoskeletal function.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cairo University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jun 17, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 17, 2026

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

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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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