Dual Task and Upper Extremity Performance in Children With Myelomeningocele

NCT ID: NCT06949475

Last Updated: 2025-12-26

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

Get a concise snapshot of the trial, including recruitment status, study phase, enrollment targets, and key timeline milestones.

Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Total Enrollment

60 participants

Study Classification

OBSERVATIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-05-26

Study Completion Date

2025-12-19

Brief Summary

Review the sponsor-provided synopsis that highlights what the study is about and why it is being conducted.

Myelomeningocele is a neural tube defect caused by the failure of the neural tube to close in the caudal part. The exposed spinal cord in myelomeningocele usually causes neural damage. Children with myelomeningocele have varying degrees of disability depending on the level of lesion and the presence of CNS-related anomalies. Lower limb weakness, sensory loss or deformity, and impaired bowel and bladder function are common disabilities that need to be managed. Performing multiple tasks simultaneously is a necessity in the daily lives of both adults and children. Although the majority of children with myelomeningocele lack the ability to ambulate and spend most of the day sitting, they have to perform dual tasking while performing activities of daily living as in all children. In the literature, dual task performance has been evaluated in many studies in adult individuals with diseases such as Multiple sclerosis, Stroke, Parkinson's, etc. However, there are few studies in the pediatric population in the literature. Most of the studies conducted in children include children with cerebral palsy and there are almost no studies in children with myelomeningocele. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare dual task and upper extremity performance in children with myelomeningocele to typically developing peers.

Detailed Description

Dive into the extended narrative that explains the scientific background, objectives, and procedures in greater depth.

Within the scope of the study, socio-demographic information of the individuals will be recorded first. Afterwards, the Box Block Test and 9-hole peg test will be performed for single task assessment. The children will be seated on a chair with back support and before the test starts, all the details about the application will be explained to the person and the person will be given the opportunity to make a trial and if there are mistakes, they will be warned and then the actual evaluation will be started.

After the single task evaluation, the dual task performance will be evaluated. When testing dual task performance, participants will be asked to perform both tasks without prioritizing them and to do their best. However, they will also be instructed not to pause for reflection. A rest interval of at least 3 minutes will be given between all tests. Dual task complexity of the given upper limb functions will be measured by calculating the 'dual task effect' for both tasks. The formula used to calculate the dual task effect is as follows: Dual Task Effect=(Dual Task-Single Task/Single Task)x 100. If the result is positive, it is assumed that there is an improvement in the dual task conditions; if it is negative, it is assumed that there is a decrease in the dual task conditions. The results of children's performance will be recorded in the relevant table in the demographic data form

Conditions

See the medical conditions and disease areas that this research is targeting or investigating.

Meningomyelocele

Keywords

Explore important study keywords that can help with search, categorization, and topic discovery.

Meningomyelocele Dual task Upper extremity performance

Study Design

Understand how the trial is structured, including allocation methods, masking strategies, primary purpose, and other design elements.

Observational Model Type

OTHER

Study Time Perspective

PROSPECTIVE

Study Groups

Review each arm or cohort in the study, along with the interventions and objectives associated with them.

Meningomyelocele Group

Individuals between the ages of 7-18 years with a diagnosis of meningomyelocele

Single Task (Box and Block Test)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

The test requires a wooden box divided into two compartments and 150 blocks (2.5 cm tall). When administering the test, the evaluator should be aware of whether the child's fingertips move from one compartment to the other. The number of blocks passed from one side of the box to the other in one minute determines the level of the skill. It is done separately for right and left hand. The number of cubes thrown in 1 minute gives the score.

Single Task (Nine Hole Peg Test)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

The 9-hole peg test is a standardized test that measures fine dexterity against time. It is simple to administer and is a valid and reliable method of assessment. Both hands are tested in the assessment. The child is first asked to place 9 sticks of 3.2 cm in length into the holes on the platform as quickly as possible with the dominant hand and the time from the start command until the last stick is placed is recorded. Then, with the same hand, he/she is asked to pick up the sticks in order and the time to remove all the sticks is recorded in seconds. The same procedure is repeated with the other hand.

Dual Task (Box and Block Test-Kognitif Task)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Box Block Test-for the cognitive task assessment, the individual will be asked to count animal names while performing the test.

Dual Task (Nine Hole Peg Test-Kognitif Task)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

9 Hole Peg Test-for the cognitive task assessment, the individual will be asked to count backwards from 20 one by one while performing the test

Dual Task (Box and Block Test-Motor Task)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

For the Box Block Test-motor task assessment, the individual will be asked to keep a rhythm by tapping the table with the fingers on the other side while performing the test. The number of blocks passed from one side to the other side of the box divided into two in one minute will be determined and recorded.

Dual Task (Nine Hole Peg Test-Motor Task)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

9 Hole Peg Test-for motor task assessment, the individual will be asked to bend and unbend the other elbow while performing the test.

ABILHAND-Kids

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

The Abilhand Kids Hand-Related Ability Scale will be used to assess the use of upper extremities in Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The scale includes 21 sub-items. Sub-items are scored as 0; cannot do, 1; has difficulty in doing and 2; can easily do. The questions are usually answered by the parent, but can also be answered by the child if the child is old enough and cognitive level is appropriate.

Functional Mobility Scale (FMS)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

The child's walking ability is assessed at 3 different distances (5 meters (home), 50 meters (school), 500 meters (community)). The assessment at all three distances is graded on a scale of 1-6, with wheelchair mobilization 1 and independent ambulation 6. It is indicated as (C) if the distance can be covered by crawling and (N) if the distance cannot be covered by any other means. The assessment is done through an interview with the family. The child is not observed.

Myelomeningocele Functional Classification System (MMFC)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

The Myelomeningocele Functional Classification System (MMFC) is a 4-level system that classifies individuals with myelomeningocele according to their functional capacity. The functional status of children in Level 1 is more inadequate than in other levels. Functional status improves as the level increases.

Modified Mini Mental Test (MMMT)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

The Modified Mini Mental Test (MMMT) is used to screen for cognitive dysfunctions in children, to assess the severity of impairments and to determine changes over time. It has been reported that the test is a suitable tool for examining cognitive functions in children from the age of 4 and can be easily included in general neurological examinations of children. The test, which takes 5 to 10 minutes to administer, assesses 5 cognitive domains, including orientation, memory, concentration, language function and measures of structural ability. The total score in this test reaches a plateau at approximately 9-10 years of age. In children over 10 years of age, scores below 27 out of a total of 35 points are indicative of mental retardation.

Typical Developing Group

Typically developing individuals between the ages of 7-18, who do not have any musculoskeletal system problems and who volunteer to participate in the study, who do not have a chronic neurological, cardiovascular or orthopedic disease

Single Task (Box and Block Test)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

The test requires a wooden box divided into two compartments and 150 blocks (2.5 cm tall). When administering the test, the evaluator should be aware of whether the child's fingertips move from one compartment to the other. The number of blocks passed from one side of the box to the other in one minute determines the level of the skill. It is done separately for right and left hand. The number of cubes thrown in 1 minute gives the score.

Single Task (Nine Hole Peg Test)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

The 9-hole peg test is a standardized test that measures fine dexterity against time. It is simple to administer and is a valid and reliable method of assessment. Both hands are tested in the assessment. The child is first asked to place 9 sticks of 3.2 cm in length into the holes on the platform as quickly as possible with the dominant hand and the time from the start command until the last stick is placed is recorded. Then, with the same hand, he/she is asked to pick up the sticks in order and the time to remove all the sticks is recorded in seconds. The same procedure is repeated with the other hand.

Dual Task (Box and Block Test-Kognitif Task)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Box Block Test-for the cognitive task assessment, the individual will be asked to count animal names while performing the test.

Dual Task (Nine Hole Peg Test-Kognitif Task)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

9 Hole Peg Test-for the cognitive task assessment, the individual will be asked to count backwards from 20 one by one while performing the test

Dual Task (Box and Block Test-Motor Task)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

For the Box Block Test-motor task assessment, the individual will be asked to keep a rhythm by tapping the table with the fingers on the other side while performing the test. The number of blocks passed from one side to the other side of the box divided into two in one minute will be determined and recorded.

Dual Task (Nine Hole Peg Test-Motor Task)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

9 Hole Peg Test-for motor task assessment, the individual will be asked to bend and unbend the other elbow while performing the test.

ABILHAND-Kids

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

The Abilhand Kids Hand-Related Ability Scale will be used to assess the use of upper extremities in Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The scale includes 21 sub-items. Sub-items are scored as 0; cannot do, 1; has difficulty in doing and 2; can easily do. The questions are usually answered by the parent, but can also be answered by the child if the child is old enough and cognitive level is appropriate.

Interventions

Learn about the drugs, procedures, or behavioral strategies being tested and how they are applied within this trial.

Single Task (Box and Block Test)

The test requires a wooden box divided into two compartments and 150 blocks (2.5 cm tall). When administering the test, the evaluator should be aware of whether the child's fingertips move from one compartment to the other. The number of blocks passed from one side of the box to the other in one minute determines the level of the skill. It is done separately for right and left hand. The number of cubes thrown in 1 minute gives the score.

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Single Task (Nine Hole Peg Test)

The 9-hole peg test is a standardized test that measures fine dexterity against time. It is simple to administer and is a valid and reliable method of assessment. Both hands are tested in the assessment. The child is first asked to place 9 sticks of 3.2 cm in length into the holes on the platform as quickly as possible with the dominant hand and the time from the start command until the last stick is placed is recorded. Then, with the same hand, he/she is asked to pick up the sticks in order and the time to remove all the sticks is recorded in seconds. The same procedure is repeated with the other hand.

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Dual Task (Box and Block Test-Kognitif Task)

Box Block Test-for the cognitive task assessment, the individual will be asked to count animal names while performing the test.

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Dual Task (Nine Hole Peg Test-Kognitif Task)

9 Hole Peg Test-for the cognitive task assessment, the individual will be asked to count backwards from 20 one by one while performing the test

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Dual Task (Box and Block Test-Motor Task)

For the Box Block Test-motor task assessment, the individual will be asked to keep a rhythm by tapping the table with the fingers on the other side while performing the test. The number of blocks passed from one side to the other side of the box divided into two in one minute will be determined and recorded.

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Dual Task (Nine Hole Peg Test-Motor Task)

9 Hole Peg Test-for motor task assessment, the individual will be asked to bend and unbend the other elbow while performing the test.

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

ABILHAND-Kids

The Abilhand Kids Hand-Related Ability Scale will be used to assess the use of upper extremities in Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The scale includes 21 sub-items. Sub-items are scored as 0; cannot do, 1; has difficulty in doing and 2; can easily do. The questions are usually answered by the parent, but can also be answered by the child if the child is old enough and cognitive level is appropriate.

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Functional Mobility Scale (FMS)

The child's walking ability is assessed at 3 different distances (5 meters (home), 50 meters (school), 500 meters (community)). The assessment at all three distances is graded on a scale of 1-6, with wheelchair mobilization 1 and independent ambulation 6. It is indicated as (C) if the distance can be covered by crawling and (N) if the distance cannot be covered by any other means. The assessment is done through an interview with the family. The child is not observed.

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Myelomeningocele Functional Classification System (MMFC)

The Myelomeningocele Functional Classification System (MMFC) is a 4-level system that classifies individuals with myelomeningocele according to their functional capacity. The functional status of children in Level 1 is more inadequate than in other levels. Functional status improves as the level increases.

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Modified Mini Mental Test (MMMT)

The Modified Mini Mental Test (MMMT) is used to screen for cognitive dysfunctions in children, to assess the severity of impairments and to determine changes over time. It has been reported that the test is a suitable tool for examining cognitive functions in children from the age of 4 and can be easily included in general neurological examinations of children. The test, which takes 5 to 10 minutes to administer, assesses 5 cognitive domains, including orientation, memory, concentration, language function and measures of structural ability. The total score in this test reaches a plateau at approximately 9-10 years of age. In children over 10 years of age, scores below 27 out of a total of 35 points are indicative of mental retardation.

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Eligibility Criteria

Check the participation requirements, including inclusion and exclusion rules, age limits, and whether healthy volunteers are accepted.

Inclusion Criteria

For children with meningomyelocele

* To be between the ages of 7-18
* To have been diagnosed with meningomyelocele
* To have scored 27 points or more on the modified mini mental test

For children with typical developing

* Being between the ages of 7-18 years
* Having no typically developing musculoskeletal problems and volunteering to participate in the study
* Not having a chronic neurological, cardiovascular or orthopedic disease
* Having a score of 27 or above on the modified mini mental test

Exclusion Criteria

For children with meningomyelocele

* Not agreeing to participate in the study,
* Having undergone surgery or Botolunium toxin administration within the last six months
* Having suffered a fracture of the upper extremity within the last six months

For children with typical developing

* Having severe visual or hearing impairment
* Having attention problems to the extent that they cannot understand the assessment instructions
* Having a musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic or other disease severe enough to prevent participation in the study.
Minimum Eligible Age

7 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sponsors

Meet the organizations funding or collaborating on the study and learn about their roles.

Abant Izzet Baysal University

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

Identify the individual or organization who holds primary responsibility for the study information submitted to regulators.

Responsibility Role SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

Learn about the lead researchers overseeing the trial and their institutional affiliations.

Sezen Tezcan, Ph.D

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Abant Izzet Baysal University

Locations

Explore where the study is taking place and check the recruitment status at each participating site.

Bolu abant Izzet Baysal University

Merkez, Bolu, Turkey (Türkiye)

Site Status

Countries

Review the countries where the study has at least one active or historical site.

Turkey (Türkiye)

Other Identifiers

Review additional registry numbers or institutional identifiers associated with this trial.

AIBU-FTR-ST-04

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id