iMOVE: Intensive Mobility training with Variability and Error compared to conventional rehabilitation for young children with cerebral palsy: the protocol for a single blind randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of physical disability in children. The best opportunity to maximize lifelong independence is early in motor development when there is the most potential for neuroplastic change, but how best to optimize motor ability during this narrow window remains unknown. We have systematically developed and pilot-tested a novel intervention that incorporates overlapping principles of neurorehabilitation and infant motor learning in a context that promotes upright mobility skill and postural control development. The treatment, called iMOVE therapy, was designed to allow young children with CP to self-initiate motor learning experiences similar to their typically developing peers. This manuscript describes the protocol for a subsequent clinical trial to test the efficacy of iMOVE therapy compared to conventional therapy on gross motor development and other secondary outcomes in young children with CP. METHODS: The study is a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Forty-two participants with CP or suspected CP between the ages of 1–3 years will be randomized to receive either the iMOVE or conventional therapy group. Distinguishing characteristics of each group are detailed. Repeated measures of gross motor function will be collected throughout the 12–24 week intervention phase and at three follow-up points over one year post therapy. Secondary outcomes include measures of postural control, physical activity, participation and caregiver satisfaction. DISCUSSION: This clinical trial will add to a small, but growing, body of literature on early interventions to optimize the development of motor control in young children with CP. The information learned will inform clinical practice of early treatment strategies and may contribute to improving the trajectory of motor development and reducing lifelong physical disability in individuals with CP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02340026. Registered January 16, 2015. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12887-018-1303-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.