Sensory Processing, Postural Stability, and Selective Motor Control in Children With Hemiplegia

NCT06989034 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: P.T.REC/012/004244
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The goal of this observational case-control study is to examine the relationship between sensory processing abilities, postural stability, and selective motor control (SMC) in children aged 6-10 years with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP). The study compares outcomes in children with hemiplegic CP to age-matched typically developing children (TDC). It aims to determine how differences in sensory processing may relate to motor control and balance deficits in this population.

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy, Hemiplegic; Sensory Processing Disorder; Postural Balance; Motor Skills Disorders

Keywords

sensory processing abilities; Postural stability; selective voluntary motor control; unilateral cerebral palsy; child sensory profile 2

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• ensory Profile 2 (SP2) Total and Subscale Scores

  Scores across sensory domains and behavioral responses will be compared between groups and correlated with motor outcomes.

  Single assessment session (within a 1-day visit)

• HUMAC Balance Scores (COP, LOS, mCTSIB)

  Quantitative balance parameters will be analyzed between groups.

  Single assessment session (within a 1-day visit)

• TASC and SCALE Scores

  Selective motor control scores (range 0-2 per joint movement) will be summed and analyzed.

  Single assessment session (within a 1-day visit)

Study Arms (2)

The hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) group

The hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) group consists of 30 children diagnosed with spastic hemiplegic CP, a type of CP characterized by motor impairment predominantly on one side of the body. These children were aged between 6 and 10 years and had GMFCS levels I or II, indicating mild to moderate functional limitations. They exhibited mild spasticity, as indicated by Modified Ashworth Scale scores of 1 or 1+, and were able to follow simple instructions. The hemiplegic CP group was included to investigate sensory processing, postural stability, and selective voluntary motor control (SVMC) impairments associated with spastic hemiplegia.

Other: Child Sensory Profile 2 (SP2) for Sensory processing abilities; Other: HUMAC Balance System for Postural stability evaluation; Other: Selective Motor Control Evaluation for the upper and lower extremities

typically developing children (TDC) group

The control group consisted of 30 typically developing children (TDC) who were matched to the hemiplegic CP group based on age and sex. The control group served as a comparison to the CP group, allowing for the evaluation of typical sensory processing, postural stability, and selective voluntary motor control patterns in children without any clinical motor impairments. The children in the control group were expected to perform within typical developmental ranges for sensory and motor function, providing a baseline for assessing the motor and sensory processing deficits in the hemiplegic CP group.

Other: Child Sensory Profile 2 (SP2) for Sensory processing abilities; Other: HUMAC Balance System for Postural stability evaluation; Other: Selective Motor Control Evaluation for the upper and lower extremities

Interventions

Child Sensory Profile 2 (SP2) for Sensory processing abilities OTHER

Sensory processing abilities are evaluated using the Child Sensory Profile 2 (SP2), an 86-item caregiver questionnaire assessing six sensory systems (auditory, visual, touch, movement, body position, and oral) and three behavioral domains (conduct, social-emotional, and attentional).

The hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) group; typically developing children (TDC) group

HUMAC Balance System for Postural stability evaluation OTHER

Postural stability is assessed using the HUMAC Balance System, incorporating tests such as: * The Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration of Balance (mCTSIB) * Limits of Stability (LOS) at difficulty levels 4 and 6 * Center of Pressure (COP) metrics

The hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) group; typically developing children (TDC) group

Selective Motor Control Evaluation for the upper and lower extremities OTHER

Selective voluntary motor control is evaluated using the following tools: * Test of Arm Selective Control (TASC) for the upper extremities * Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE) for the lower extremities

The hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) group; typically developing children (TDC) group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 6 Years - 10 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population divided into two groups. The first group includes 30 children diagnosed with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP), a condition characterized by motor impairments affecting one side of the body due to early brain damage. These children are recruited from the outpatient clinic of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University. The second group includes 30 age- and sex-matched typically developing children (TDC) who have no known neurological, orthopedic, or sensory processing disorders. These children are selected from mainstream schools in Luxor Governorate and are expected to exhibit typical development in sensory processing, motor control, and postural stability. The children in the CP group are part of a clinical setting with prior diagnoses and care, while the TDC group is sourced from an educational setting. The study aims to compare sensory processing abilities, postural stability, and selective motor control

You may qualify if:

• Diagnosis of spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy
• Age between 6 and 10 years
• GMFCS levels I or II
• Modified Ashworth Scale score of 1 or 1+ (mild spasticity)
• Ability to follow simple instructions
• Caregiver with sufficient English language proficiency

You may not qualify if:

• Botulinum toxin injections within the past 6 months
• Visual or auditory impairments
• Orthopedic or neurosurgical intervention to limbs or spine
• Musculoskeletal deformities
• History of seizures

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Cairo University: lead

Study Sites (1)

outpatient clinic, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University

Giza, Cairo Governorate, 12613, Egypt

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy; Motor Skills Disorders

Interventions

Sp2 Transcription Factor

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Brain Damage, Chronic; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Mental Disorders

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Sp Transcription Factors; Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors; DNA-Binding Proteins; Proteins; Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins; Transcription Factors

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Teaching Assistant

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 17, 2025
• First Posted: May 25, 2025
• Study Start: January 15, 2023
• Primary Completion: August 22, 2023
• Study Completion: January 2, 2024
• Last Updated: May 25, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-04

Locations

EG (1)