Effect of a Humanoid Robot With Virtual Reality Games to Train Arm Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy - THRIVE Trial

Launched by GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY · Mar 11, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The THRIVE Trial is a research study looking at how a special system combining a humanoid robot and virtual reality games can help improve arm function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Many children with CP struggle to use their arms effectively, and practicing these movements can be boring or difficult to do at home. The THRIVE system aims to make therapy more fun and engaging, acting like a playmate that encourages kids to complete their exercises while providing instant feedback on their movements. The goal is to see if children using the THRIVE system will improve their arm function more than those just using virtual reality games alone.

To join the trial, children must be between 5 and 21 years old, diagnosed with a specific type of CP called spastic CP, and have some ability to move their arms. They should also be able to sit up with support and follow simple instructions. The study will involve interviews with both the children and their parents to gather feedback on their experience with this new technology. This trial is a great opportunity for families looking for innovative ways to support their child's therapy at home while making it enjoyable.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Participants are between the ages of 5 and 21 years;
• • 2. diagnosed with spastic CP;
• • 3. have a manual ability classification system (MACs) level I-III;
• • 4. able to sit with trunk supported;
• • 5. are able to reach forward for more than half of their arm length;
• • 6. are able to comprehend and complete a three-steps commands;
• • 7. are able to see a TV screen (with or without corrected vision); and
• • 8. their primary caregiver is willing to follow the desired intervention dosing and all evaluation measurements.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. they have received surgery or botulinum toxin type A injection in the training arm within the preceding 4 months or are scheduled to receive it during the planned intervention period, or
• • 2. if they have a severe attention deficit or uncontrolled epilepsy, which may possibly be triggered by the light or sound of the video games.