Cerebral Palsy Upper Extremity Orthotic Device

Description

Upper extremity therapies for children with cerebral palsy (CP) have been validated for improving function in higher functioning patients. Those who function at the lowest end of the scale, on the Manual Ability Classification System scale (MACS) III-V, comprise 34-54% of the population, but as yet have no evidence-based interventions specific to their needs. Lower functioning children often retain some voluntary control of the elbow in spite of limited finger motion. A dynamic splint, or exoskeleton, could utilize the tenodesis effect from elbow motion to drive finger release while retaining flexor tone for grasp, potentially creating a portable, home-based therapeutic tool. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of an upper extremity orthotic device in improving the upper extremity function of children with cerebral palsy who have limited use of their hands.

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

Upper extremity therapies for children with cerebral palsy (CP) have been validated for improving function in higher functioning patients. Those who function at the lowest end of the scale, on the Manual Ability Classification System scale (MACS) III-V, comprise 34-54% of the population, but as yet have no evidence-based interventions specific to their needs. Lower functioning children often retain some voluntary control of the elbow in spite of limited finger motion. A dynamic splint, or exoskeleton, could utilize the tenodesis effect from elbow motion to drive finger release while retaining flexor tone for grasp, potentially creating a portable, home-based therapeutic tool. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of an upper extremity orthotic device in improving the upper extremity function of children with cerebral palsy who have limited use of their hands.

Use of Low Cost Orthotic Device to Improve Upper Extremity Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy Upper Extremity Orthotic Device

Condition
Cerebral Palsy
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Newark

Rutgers NJMS, Newark, New Jersey, United States, 07103

Union

Children's Specialized Hospital, Union, New Jersey, United States, 07083

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * diagnosis of cerebral palsy, age 4-17 years, moderate-severe hand disability as graded by the Manual Ability Classification System, active movement of the elbow, ability to follow commands and participate in goal-making and repetitive tasks
  • * mild or extremely severe hand disability, Botox or orthopaedic surgery within the past 6 months, severe contractures, lack of voluntary arm motion, unable to follow commands due to severe cognitive impairment

Ages Eligible for Study

4 Years to 17 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey,

Study Record Dates

2025-12-01