NCT06942364

Action Observation Therapy in Hemiparetic CP: Impact on Balance & Lower Limb Function

The Effect of Action Observation Therapy on Balance and Lower Extremity Function in Children With Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (actual)
• Sponsor: Fatih Tekin · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 5 Years – 12 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Background: Action Observation Therapy (AOT) leverages the mirror neuron system to enhance motor learning and is anticipated to improve upper extremity function in children with cerebral palsy. However, its effects on balance, lower extremity function, and gait performance in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy remain underexplored. The planned study aims to evaluate whether the addition of AOT to conventional physiotherapy will positively influence balance, lower extremity function, and gait performance in this population. Objective: The study is designed to assess the efficacy of incorporating AOT as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy in improving balance, lower extremity function, and gait performance in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Methods: A patient cohort consisting of children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy (GMFCS levels I and II) is planned to be assembled. It is expected that a total of 20 patients will be recruited and then randomly allocated into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group is scheduled to receive conventional physiotherapy in addition to AOT sessions, while the control group is planned to receive conventional physiotherapy only. The intervention period is planned for 6 weeks, during which both groups will participate in 12 physiotherapy sessions. Additionally, the experimental group is scheduled to undergo AOT sessions twice weekly, with each session lasting 30 minutes. Outcome measures to be employed will include the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Pediatric Balance Scale, Five-Step Stair Climbing and Descending Test, and the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). This study is expected to systematically evaluate the potential benefits of adding AOT to standard physiotherapy regimens for enhancing balance, lower extremity function, and gait performance in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.

Conditions

• Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy Children

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Action Observation Therapy	The AOT video comprised four specific tasks designed to improve lower extremity function, balance, and gait (Figure 1): 1. Sitting Balance: Movements to enhance balance while seated (Figure 2). 2. Sit-to-Stand Transition: Exercises to facilitate the transition from sitting to standing. 3. Walking and Balance: Gait and balance training on a parallel bar or flat surface. 4. Single-Leg Balance: Activities focused on improving balance on one leg. For each task, children observed the movement for 1 minute, then practiced the action for 5 minutes. A 1-minute rest period was allowed between tasks, with a total AOT session lasting 30 minutes. All sessions were conducted by the same physiotherapist.
OTHER	conventional physiotherapy	Conventional physiotherapy is a widely used therapeutic approach that focuses on improving physical function, mobility, and overall quality of life through evidence-based techniques. It typically includes exercises for strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, along with manual therapy, postural training, and education about movement and body mechanics. This traditional method is commonly applied in the rehabilitation of patients with neurological, orthopedic, and musculoskeletal conditions. In pediatric populations, such as children with cerebral palsy, conventional physiotherapy plays a vital role in promoting motor development, enhancing functional independence, and preventing secondary complications.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-01-10
• Primary completion: 2024-06-10
• Completion: 2024-12-10
• First posted: 2025-04-24
• Last updated: 2025-04-24

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)