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Carry-Over Effects of Lower Limb Cross-Training Priming on Upper Limb Function in Children With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

NCT07525752 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 40

Last updated 2026-04-13

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the potential carry-over effects of a 6-week lower limb strengthening-based cross-training (CT) priming protocol, added to standard physical rehabilitation, on affected upper limb function in children aged 6-8 years with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP), compared to standard physical rehabilitation alone.

BACKGROUND:

Children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) experience motor impairments affecting both lower and upper limbs, significantly impacting functional independence. While rehabilitation often targets specific limbs, interventions may induce broader neuroplastic changes. Movement-based priming, particularly strengthening-based cross-training (CT) targeting the less-affected limb, has shown promise for improving contralateral lower limb function in UCP, likely via cross-education mechanisms involving central nervous system adaptations. However, it remains largely unexplored whether such lower limb-focused priming interventions can induce secondary "carry-over" effects, positively influencing the function of the ipsilaterally affected upper limb through potential mechanisms like widespread neural adaptations or improved postural stability. Addressing this gap is crucial for understanding the holistic impact of priming interventions and optimizing rehabilitation strategies.

HYPOTHESES:

There will be no statistically significant difference in the improvement of affected handgrip strength, grasping skills and functional UL Outcome Measure between children receiving lower limb CT priming plus standard rehabilitation and those receiving standard rehabilitation alone over the 6-week intervention period.

RESEARCH QUESTION:

Does the addition of a 6-week lower limb strengthening-based cross-training priming protocol to standard physical rehabilitation result in significantly greater improvements in affected upper limb function (specifically handgrip strength and grasping skills) compared to standard physical rehabilitation alone in children aged 6-8 years with unilateral cerebral palsy?

Conditions

  • Cerebral Palsy (CP)
  • Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

Interventions

OTHER

Standard rehabilitation program

60-minute physical therapy program including strengthening, balance, and functional activities for children with unilateral cerebral palsy.

OTHER

Lower Limb Cross-Training Priming

10-15 minutes of lower limb strengthening-based cross-training of the less-affected limb used as movement-based priming prior to standard rehabilitation.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Cairo University

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
6 Years
Max Age
8 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-01-01
Primary Completion
2026-03-30
Completion
2026-03-31

Countries

  • Egypt

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07525752 on ClinicalTrials.gov