Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Hand Recovery and Quality of Life in Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsied Children

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that may help improve hand function in children with cerebral palsy. This study investigates whether tDCS combined with functional task training is more effective than functional task training alone for improving hand recovery and quality of life in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Sixty children aged 7 to 12 years with hemiparetic cerebral palsy will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group will receive anodal tDCS at 2mA for 20 minutes, 3 times per week for 1 month, combined with 40 minutes of functional task training. The control group will receive functional task training alone for 60 minutes, 3 times per week for 1 month. Hand function will be measured using the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test and grip strength using a hand held dynamometer. Spasticity will be assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale, and quality of life will be measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL). All assessments will be conducted before and after the 1-month treatment period. The findings of this study may help determine whether adding tDCS to standard rehabilitation provides additional benefits for hand recovery and quality of life in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 7 to 12 years old * Diagnosis of unilateral spastic hemiparetic cerebral palsy * Both sexes (male and female) * Able to understand and follow simple instructions * Able to maintain a sitting position for at least 60 minutes * Stable medication regimen for at least 3 months prior to study entry Exclusion Criteria: * Blindness, sickness, or language defects impairing patient cooperation * Epilepsy or abnormal electroencephalography (EEG) * Previous brain surgery * Skin irritation or dysfunction at electrode placement site * Metallic implants within the brain * Inability to consent or undergo tDCS therapy * Presence of cardiac abnormalities * Received botulinum toxin injections in the upper limb within the past 6 months