Sensory-Motor Integration Versus Virtual Reality-Based Exercise in Children With Cerebral Palsy

NCT07836517 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: YEDU-FTR-CP-SMI-VR-2026-001
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 8
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to compare the clinical effects of a sensory-motor integration-based exercise program and a virtual reality-based exercise program on gross motor function, balance, and functional mobility in children with cerebral palsy. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups will continue to receive standard conventional physiotherapy. In addition, one group will receive a structured sensory-motor integration-based exercise program, while the other group will receive a Nintendo Wii Sports-based virtual reality exercise program. The intervention period will last 16 weeks, with two sessions per week. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention using standardized clinical measures.

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy

Keywords

Cerebral Palsy; Sensory-Motor Integration; Virtual Reality; Gross Motor Function; Functional Mobility; Pediatric Rehabilitation

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Change in Gross Motor Function Measure Dimensions D and E Score

  Gross motor function will be assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure, dimensions D and E. The assessment will evaluate standing, walking, running, and jumping-related gross motor abilities in children with cerebral palsy.

  Baseline and week 17

• Change in Pediatric Balance Scale Score

  Functional balance will be assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale. Higher scores indicate better functional balance performance.

  Baseline and week 17

• Change in Timed Up and Go Test Performance

  Functional mobility and dynamic balance will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test. The time required to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, return, and sit down will be recorded in seconds. Shorter completion time indicates better functional mobility.

  Baseline and week 17

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Change in ABILHAND-Kids Score

  Baseline and week 17

• Change in Hand Grip Strength

  Baseline and week 17

• Change in Physical Activity Self-Efficacy Scale for Children Score

  Baseline and week 17

Study Arms (2)

Sensory-Motor Integration-Based Exercise Program

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will receive standard conventional physiotherapy in addition to a structured Sensory-Motor Integration-Based Exercise Program. The program will target postural control, balance, body awareness, motor planning, sensory processing, and functional movement organization through tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive sensory inputs. The intervention will be delivered for 16 weeks, two sessions per week.

Behavioral: Sensory-Motor Integration-Based Exercise Program

Virtual Reality-Based Exercise Program

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this group will receive standard conventional physiotherapy in addition to a Nintendo Wii Sports-based Virtual Reality Exercise Program. The program will provide visual and auditory feedback in a game-based environment and will aim to improve motivation, task-oriented movement repetition, balance, and functional motor performance. The intervention will be delivered for 16 weeks, two sessions per week.

Behavioral: Virtual Reality-Based Exercise Program

Interventions

Virtual Reality-Based Exercise Program BEHAVIORAL

A Nintendo Wii Sports-based virtual reality exercise program using visual and auditory feedback in a game-based environment to support motivation, task-oriented movement repetition, balance, and functional motor performance. The program will be administered in addition to standard conventional physiotherapy.

Also known as: VRBEP

Virtual Reality-Based Exercise Program

Sensory-Motor Integration-Based Exercise Program BEHAVIORAL

A structured sensory-motor integration-based exercise program targeting postural control, balance, motor planning, sensory processing, body awareness, and functional movement organization through tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive sensory inputs. The program will be administered in addition to standard conventional physiotherapy.

Also known as: SMIBEP

Sensory-Motor Integration-Based Exercise Program

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 6 Years - 12 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, including diplegic, hemiplegic, or dyskinetic types
• Gross Motor Function Classification System level I, II, or III
• Aged between 6 and 12 years
• Having sufficient cognitive ability to understand and follow simple verbal instructions
• Voluntary participation in the study with legal guardian consent

You may not qualify if:

• Gross Motor Function Classification System level IV or V
• Spasticity level of 2 or higher in target muscle groups according to the Modified Ashworth Scale
• Botulinum toxin injection within the last 6 months
• Orthopedic or neurological surgery affecting motor function within the last 6 months
• History of uncontrolled epilepsy or neurological conditions contraindicating virtual reality applications
• Severe visual or hearing impairment that may prevent participation in the study
• Concurrent participation in another rehabilitation program during the study period

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Yeditepe University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Metin Sabancı İlköğretim Okulu

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Brain Damage, Chronic; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases

Central Study Contacts

Elif Develi, PhD

CONTACT

+90 555 593 6293; elifstn@yahoo.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Masking Details: No masking will be applied because participants and care providers cannot be blinded to the type of exercise-based intervention.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups. Both groups will receive standard conventional physiotherapy. One group will additionally receive a Sensory-Motor Integration-Based Exercise Program, while the other group will additionally receive a Nintendo Wii Sports-based Virtual Reality Exercise Program. Both interventions will be delivered for 16 weeks, two sessions per week.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 17, 2026
• First Posted: September 23, 2026
• Study Start: October 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): November 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2026
• Last Updated: September 23, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)