Bimanual Training Versus Unilateral Task Specific Training in Children With Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

Overview

Cerebral palsy is one of the most common childhood neurological disorders and often results in weakness, poor coordination, and stiffness (spasticity) in one side of the body in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. These difficulties can significantly affect a child's ability to perform daily activities such as dressing, eating, playing, and school-related tasks. Upper limb rehabilitation plays a crucial role in improving independence and quality of life in these children. Two commonly used rehabilitation approaches are bimanual training, which focuses on using both hands together during functional tasks, and unilateral task-specific training, which focuses intensively on improving the affected hand through repetitive, goal-directed activities. Although both approaches are widely practiced in pediatric neurorehabilitation, there is limited direct comparison of their effectiveness in reducing spasticity and improving functional independence among children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy, particularly in the local population of Pakistan. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of bimanual training versus unilateral task-specific training in children aged 5-12 years diagnosed with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. A total of 46 participants will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups. Both groups will receive therapy three times per week for eight weeks. Spasticity will be measured using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and functional independence will be assessed using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention period. The results of this study may help clinicians, caregivers, and rehabilitation centers determine which therapy approach is more effective in improving upper limb function and independence in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Participation in this study is voluntary, and children may withdraw at any time without affecting their standard care.

Study Design This study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to compare the effectiveness of bimanual training and unilateral task-specific training on spasticity and functional independence in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Study Setting and Duration Data will be collected from Sukkur Institute of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Blood Bank Hospital Sukkur, and Hidayat Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Center. The study duration will be nine months following approval of the synopsis. Sample Size The calculated sample size is 46 participants, including a 20% anticipated dropout rate. The sample size was determined using the formula for comparing two means with a 95% confidence interval and 80% power. The final estimated sample includes 19 participants per group (38 total), adjusted to 46 to accommodate potential attrition. Sampling Technique and Randomization Participants will be recruited using a non-probability convenient sampling technique. After enrollment, children will be randomly assigned into two groups (Group A and Group B) using the sealed envelope method to ensure allocation concealment. Selection Criteria Inclusion Criteria Children aged 5-12 years diagnosed with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. GMFCS levels I-III. Modified Ashworth Scale score between 1 and 3 in upper limb muscles. Ability to follow simple instructions. Ability to sit unsupported for at least 30 seconds. Exclusion Criteria Mixed types of cerebral palsy. Recent orthopedic surgery or botulinum toxin injection within 6 months. Severe sensory deficits. Uncontrolled epilepsy. Fixed contractures in the upper limb. Severe behavioral or psychological disorders affecting participation. Operational Definitions Spasticity Spasticity is defined as a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone resulting from hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex. It will be measured using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), graded from 0 to 4, with higher scores indicating greater spasticity. Functional Independence Functional independence is defined as the child's ability to perform age-appropriate daily activities without physical assistance. It will be measured using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), covering self-care, mobility, and social function domains. Interventions Group A - Bimanual Training Participants will receive structured bimanual training focused on improving coordinated use of both hands during functional tasks. Therapy will be delivered 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks, each session lasting 60 minutes. Activities will include buttoning, folding clothes, opening containers, block building, and bilateral play tasks. Sessions will be divided into three 20-minute blocks with 5-minute rest intervals. Group B - Unilateral Task-Specific Training Participants will receive unilateral task-specific training targeting the affected upper limb. Therapy will be delivered 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks, each session lasting 60 minutes. Activities will include grasp-and-release, reaching, stacking, drawing, card flipping, and object manipulation. The unaffected hand may be mildly restrained when necessary to encourage use of the affected limb. Baseline Treatment Both groups will receive standardized baseline physiotherapy education, including passive range-of-motion exercises, stretching, spasticity management techniques, and postural guidance. A home exercise booklet will be provided to caregivers. Data Collection Procedure Baseline assessments will be conducted before intervention. Post-intervention assessments will be performed after 8 weeks by blinded assessors to ensure objectivity. Data will be recorded on structured forms and securely stored for analysis. Ethical Considerations The study will be conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki and institutional ethical guidelines. Written informed consent will be obtained from parents or guardians. Participation will be voluntary, and confidentiality will be strictly maintained. Participants may withdraw at any time without affecting their standard care.