Early Intervention in Cerebral Palsy: Perception-Action vs Neurodevelopmental Therapy

Sponsor
Tuba Derya Doğan
Study ID
NCT07575659
Status
Not Yet Recruiting

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Conditions

  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Cerebral Palsy Early Intervention

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
6 Months - 36 Months
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Perception-Action Approach — BEHAVIORAL
    A physiotherapy intervention based on the Perception-Action Approach, emphasizing active exploration, self-initiated movement, and variability within meaningful tasks.
  • Neurodevelopmental Therapy (Bobath) — BEHAVIORAL
    A physiotherapy intervention based on Neurodevelopmental Therapy (Bobath), using therapeutic handling and facilitation to support alignment, postural organization, and movement quality during functional activities.

Study Details

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two different physiotherapy approaches used in early intervention for children with cerebral palsy. These approaches are the Perception-Action Approach and Neurodevelopmental Therapy (Bobath). The study aims to understand which approach is more effective in supporting neurodevelopmental outcomes in early childhood in Cerebral Palsy. The main questions this study aims to answer are: How does the Perception-Action Approach affect motor function in young children with cerebral palsy? How does Neurodevelopmental Therapy (Bobath) affect motor function in young children with cerebral palsy? Are there differences in outcomes between these two approaches? Researchers will compare these two approaches to see which one better supports motor development. Participants will: Be children aged 0 to 36 months with cerebral palsy or at high risk Be assigned to one of the two therapy groups Receive one therapy session per week for 12 weeks Be assessed before and after the intervention using standardized tests The results of this study may help therapists and families choose the most effective early intervention approach for children with cerebral palsy.

Key Dates

First listed
May 8, 2026
Start date
Jun 30, 2026
Status verified
May 2026
Primary completion
Mar 31, 2027
Completion
Apr 30, 2027

Study Design

Enrollment
24 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Experimental: Perception-Action Approach (PA)
    The Perception-Action Approach is grounded in ecological, dynamic systems, and neural group selection theories, emphasizing perception-action coupling and supporting the child's overall development through self-initiated actions. The intervention promotes variability, adaptability, and exploration in an enriched environment. Therapists primarily structure the environment to encourage independent discovery of functional solutions rather than using hands-on facilitation. Activities are individualized to support variability, adaptability, and functional problem-solving. Informational touch may be used as task-consistent input to enhance perception of the relationship between the body and environment, inviting new movement possibilities without guiding movement. Variability and adaptability are prioritized over a single ideal movement pattern, and errors are considered part of learning. Sessions are conducted once weekly for 12 weeks (45 minutes each).
  • Active Comparator: Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT-Bobath)
    Participants receive physiotherapy based on Neurodevelopmental Therapy (Bobath), a holistic and individualized approach to neurorehabilitation. The intervention focuses on the analysis and facilitation of functional movement within meaningful activities to improve participation. Assessment and treatment are closely integrated, with therapy continuously adapted based on the child's responses. Active participation of the child is emphasized. Therapists may use hands-on facilitation, including key points of control, to support alignment, postural organization, and the regulation of muscle tone, aiming to improve the quality of movement during functional tasks. Activities are individualized and embedded in functional contexts, with assistance adapted to the child's needs. Sessions are conducted once weekly for 12 weeks (45 minutes each).

Primary Outcome Measure

Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66) [ Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and after 12 weeks of intervention ]

Central Contacts

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