Dual Task and Upper Extremity Performance in Children With Myelomeningocele
Comparison of Dual Task and Upper Extremity Performance in Children With Myelomeningocele and Typically Developing Peers
1 other identifier
observational
60
1 country
1
Brief Summary
Myelomeningocele is a neural tube defect caused by the failure of the neural tube to close in the caudal part. The exposed spinal cord in myelomeningocele usually causes neural damage. Children with myelomeningocele have varying degrees of disability depending on the level of lesion and the presence of CNS-related anomalies. Lower limb weakness, sensory loss or deformity, and impaired bowel and bladder function are common disabilities that need to be managed. Performing multiple tasks simultaneously is a necessity in the daily lives of both adults and children. Although the majority of children with myelomeningocele lack the ability to ambulate and spend most of the day sitting, they have to perform dual tasking while performing activities of daily living as in all children. In the literature, dual task performance has been evaluated in many studies in adult individuals with diseases such as Multiple sclerosis, Stroke, Parkinson's, etc. However, there are few studies in the pediatric population in the literature. Most of the studies conducted in children include children with cerebral palsy and there are almost no studies in children with myelomeningocele. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare dual task and upper extremity performance in children with myelomeningocele to typically developing peers.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at P25-P50 for all trials
Started May 2025
Shorter than P25 for all trials
1 active site
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
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Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
First Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
April 22, 2025
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
April 29, 2025
CompletedStudy Start
First participant enrolled
May 26, 2025
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
December 1, 2025
CompletedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
December 19, 2025
CompletedDecember 26, 2025
December 1, 2025
6 months
April 22, 2025
December 19, 2025
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (4)
Dual Task (Box and Block Test-Motor Task)
The test requires a wooden box divided into two compartments and 150 blocks (2.5 cm tall). When administering the test, the evaluator should be aware of whether the child's fingertips move from one compartment to the other. The number of blocks passed from one side of the box to the other in one minute determines the level of the skill. It is done separately for right and left hand. The number of cubes thrown in 1 minute gives the score. For the Box Block Test-motor task assessment, the individual will be asked to keep a rhythm by tapping the table with the fingers on the other side while performing the test. The number of blocks passed from one side to the other side of the box divided into two in one minute will be determined and recorded.
through study completion, an average of 1 year
Dual Task (Box and Block Test-Kognitif Task)
The test requires a wooden box divided into two compartments and 150 blocks (2.5 cm tall). When administering the test, the evaluator should be aware of whether the child's fingertips move from one compartment to the other. The number of blocks passed from one side of the box to the other in one minute determines the level of the skill. It is done separately for right and left hand. The number of cubes thrown in 1 minute gives the score. Box Block Test-for the cognitive task assessment, the individual will be asked to count animal names while performing the test.
through study completion, an average of 1 year
Dual Task (Nine Hole Peg Test-Motor Task)
The Nine Hole Peg test is a standardized test that measures fine dexterity against time. It is simple to administer and is a valid and reliable method of assessment. Both hands are tested in the assessment. The child is first asked to place 9 sticks of 3.2 cm in length into the holes on the platform as quickly as possible with the dominant hand and the time from the start command until the last stick is placed is recorded. Then, with the same hand, he/she is asked to pick up the sticks in order and the time to remove all the sticks is recorded in seconds. The same procedure is repeated with the other hand. 9 Hole Peg Test-for motor task assessment, the individual will be asked to bend and unbend the other elbow while performing the test.
through study completion, an average of 1 year
Dual Task (Nine Hole Peg Test-Kognitif Task)
The Nine Hole Peg test is a standardized test that measures fine dexterity against time. It is simple to administer and is a valid and reliable method of assessment. Both hands are tested in the assessment. The child is first asked to place 9 sticks of 3.2 cm in length into the holes on the platform as quickly as possible with the dominant hand and the time from the start command until the last stick is placed is recorded. Then, with the same hand, he/she is asked to pick up the sticks in order and the time to remove all the sticks is recorded in seconds. The same procedure is repeated with the other hand. 9 Hole Peg Test-for the cognitive task assessment, the individual will be asked to count backwards from 20 one by one while performing the test
through study completion, an average of 1 year
Secondary Outcomes (3)
Single Task (Box and Block Test)
through study completion, an average of 1 year
Single Task (Nine Hole Peg Test)
through study completion, an average of 1 year
ABILHAND-Kids
through study completion, an average of 1 year
Study Arms (2)
Meningomyelocele Group
Individuals between the ages of 7-18 years with a diagnosis of meningomyelocele
Typical Developing Group
Typically developing individuals between the ages of 7-18, who do not have any musculoskeletal system problems and who volunteer to participate in the study, who do not have a chronic neurological, cardiovascular or orthopedic disease
Interventions
The test requires a wooden box divided into two compartments and 150 blocks (2.5 cm tall). When administering the test, the evaluator should be aware of whether the child's fingertips move from one compartment to the other. The number of blocks passed from one side of the box to the other in one minute determines the level of the skill. It is done separately for right and left hand. The number of cubes thrown in 1 minute gives the score.
The Abilhand Kids Hand-Related Ability Scale will be used to assess the use of upper extremities in Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The scale includes 21 sub-items. Sub-items are scored as 0; cannot do, 1; has difficulty in doing and 2; can easily do. The questions are usually answered by the parent, but can also be answered by the child if the child is old enough and cognitive level is appropriate.
The 9-hole peg test is a standardized test that measures fine dexterity against time. It is simple to administer and is a valid and reliable method of assessment. Both hands are tested in the assessment. The child is first asked to place 9 sticks of 3.2 cm in length into the holes on the platform as quickly as possible with the dominant hand and the time from the start command until the last stick is placed is recorded. Then, with the same hand, he/she is asked to pick up the sticks in order and the time to remove all the sticks is recorded in seconds. The same procedure is repeated with the other hand.
Box Block Test-for the cognitive task assessment, the individual will be asked to count animal names while performing the test.
9 Hole Peg Test-for the cognitive task assessment, the individual will be asked to count backwards from 20 one by one while performing the test
For the Box Block Test-motor task assessment, the individual will be asked to keep a rhythm by tapping the table with the fingers on the other side while performing the test. The number of blocks passed from one side to the other side of the box divided into two in one minute will be determined and recorded.
9 Hole Peg Test-for motor task assessment, the individual will be asked to bend and unbend the other elbow while performing the test.
The child's walking ability is assessed at 3 different distances (5 meters (home), 50 meters (school), 500 meters (community)). The assessment at all three distances is graded on a scale of 1-6, with wheelchair mobilization 1 and independent ambulation 6. It is indicated as (C) if the distance can be covered by crawling and (N) if the distance cannot be covered by any other means. The assessment is done through an interview with the family. The child is not observed.
The Myelomeningocele Functional Classification System (MMFC) is a 4-level system that classifies individuals with myelomeningocele according to their functional capacity. The functional status of children in Level 1 is more inadequate than in other levels. Functional status improves as the level increases.
The Modified Mini Mental Test (MMMT) is used to screen for cognitive dysfunctions in children, to assess the severity of impairments and to determine changes over time. It has been reported that the test is a suitable tool for examining cognitive functions in children from the age of 4 and can be easily included in general neurological examinations of children. The test, which takes 5 to 10 minutes to administer, assesses 5 cognitive domains, including orientation, memory, concentration, language function and measures of structural ability. The total score in this test reaches a plateau at approximately 9-10 years of age. In children over 10 years of age, scores below 27 out of a total of 35 points are indicative of mental retardation.
Eligibility Criteria
Children diagnosed with meningomyelocele and typically developing peers who agreed to participate in the study and met the inclusion criteria.
You may qualify if:
- For children with meningomyelocele
- To be between the ages of 7-18
- To have been diagnosed with meningomyelocele
- To have scored 27 points or more on the modified mini mental test
- For children with typical developing
- Being between the ages of 7-18 years
- Having no typically developing musculoskeletal problems and volunteering to participate in the study
- Not having a chronic neurological, cardiovascular or orthopedic disease
- Having a score of 27 or above on the modified mini mental test
You may not qualify if:
- For children with meningomyelocele
- Not agreeing to participate in the study,
- Having undergone surgery or Botolunium toxin administration within the last six months
- Having suffered a fracture of the upper extremity within the last six months
- For children with typical developing
- Having severe visual or hearing impairment
- Having attention problems to the extent that they cannot understand the assessment instructions
- Having a musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic or other disease severe enough to prevent participation in the study.
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
Study Sites (1)
Bolu abant Izzet Baysal University
Merkez, Bolu, 14030, Turkey (Türkiye)
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Study Officials
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Sezen Tezcan, Ph.D
Abant Izzet Baysal University
Study Design
- Study Type
- observational
- Observational Model
- OTHER
- Time Perspective
- PROSPECTIVE
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- SPONSOR
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
April 22, 2025
First Posted
April 29, 2025
Study Start
May 26, 2025
Primary Completion
December 1, 2025
Study Completion
December 19, 2025
Last Updated
December 26, 2025
Record last verified: 2025-12
Data Sharing
- IPD Sharing
- Will not share