The Impact of a Virtual Magic Trick Training Program

The proposed project will attempt to confirm the benefits of a structured magic trick training program (MTTP) experience in adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy. Benefits of participating in a 6-week virtual MTTP will be evaluated using validated assessments to measure the extent to which adolescents use two hands in activities and improve in social-emotional competencies.

Inclusion Criteria:Confirmed diagnosis (with proof of evidence) of UCP;Aged between 12 and 18 years (younger children may lack the inductive reasoning skills to learn magic tricks);Functional ability of the affected hand between levels I and III of the Manual Activity Classification System;Intact cognition as indicated by a score above the corresponding cut-off point of the child's age on the Mini-Mental Examination for Children; andAccess to internet and a computer or smartphone that can perform videoconferencing.Exclusion Criteria:Severe hearing or visual impairments that prevent online learning;Previous participation in organized magic learning program or camp;Current or planned participation in an intensive upper limb intervention and/or new spasticity management (e.g., starting/increasing muscle relaxants, Botox injections) during the study period; orCurrent or planned participation in psychological therapy or a clinical trial during the study period that could affect the outcomes of the study.