RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Bootle Blast: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

This study, called 'Bootle Blast', is trying out a new video game designed to help children and young people (aged 6 to 17) with a type of cerebral palsy that affects one side of their body (hemiplegic cerebral palsy). Many children with cerebral palsy find it hard to move their arms and hands, and getting regular therapy can be difficult. The Bootle Blast video game lets children practice these movements at home. Researchers want to find out if playing this game regularly makes a real difference to arm and hand function. They also want to know if families find the game easy to use and if children enjoy playing it. The study will compare children who start using Bootle Blast straight away with those who continue their usual care first, to see if the game helps improve their movement and get them more involved in everyday activities.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Enrolment target

Start

06 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2027

Cerebral Palsy (CP)Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

What is this study about?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that affects how people move and co-ordinate their bodies. About 1 in 500 children in Canada have CP. For many, it can make it tricky to use their hands and arms, which can affect everyday tasks at home, school, and during playtime. While therapies like physiotherapy and occupational therapy are really helpful, they can sometimes be expensive or hard to get to, especially in certain areas. This means children might not get as much practice as they need.

Researchers, together with families and medical experts, have created a special video game called Bootle Blast. This game tracks a child's movements and lets them interact with real objects while playing. It's designed to be fun and motivating, giving children plenty of chances to practice their arm and hand movements in a way that feels like play. This study is testing Bootle Blast to see if it can help children aged 6 to 17 with a specific type of CP called hemiplegic cerebral palsy, where one side of the body is affected.

The main goals are to find out two things: first, if families can easily and happily use Bootle Blast at home for 12 weeks; and second, if playing the game actually leads to better arm and hand movement compared to their usual care. If this smaller, initial study shows promising results, it could lead to a larger study, and potentially new ways for children with CP to get helpful therapy right in their own homes.

Key takeaways

Tests a new video game (Bootle Blast) for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
Aims to improve arm and hand movement through fun, home-based play.
Involves regular home gameplay (15-20 mins, 3-4 times a week) for 12 weeks.
Will compare immediate game use with a waitlist period for usual care.
Includes three in-person assessment visits over 24 weeks.
Designed to be supportive, with optional weekly coaching calls.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children and young people aged between 6 and 17 years old who have a diagnosis of hemiplegic cerebral palsy. This means their cerebral palsy affects primarily one side of their body. They should be able to handle objects easily or with some difficulty, and able to play the game and understand the assessments. It's important that they can speak and understand English.

To take part, children will need to be able to visit one of the study centres (Holland Bloorview, Grandview, or CHEO) three times. Families will also need to have a decent-sized TV or screen and an open space (like 3 metres by 3 metres) in front of it for playing the game, as well as occasional internet access.

Some reasons why someone might not be able to join include having had recent surgery, botox injections, or certain types of therapy (like constraint therapy) on their arm in the last few months. Also, if they have epilepsy that isn't under control and could be triggered by video games, or any other medical condition that would make physical activity with the game unsafe, they wouldn't be able to participate. Challenges with vision that would get in the way of playing the game would also exclude someone.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child aged between 6 and 17?
Does your child have hemiplegic cerebral palsy?
Can your child use their hands to hold objects, even if with some difficulty?
Can your child communicate in English?
Do you have a big screen (like a TV) and enough space (about 3m x 3m) in front of it at home?
Has your child avoided arm surgery or certain therapies in the last 3-4 months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child takes part in this study, they will complete three in-person check-ups at one of the study centres: once at the beginning, once after 12 weeks, and a final time after 24 weeks. During these visits, researchers will assess your child's arm and hand movement and how they participate in daily activities.

Your child will be randomly placed into one of two groups. One group will start playing the Bootle Blast game at home straight away for 12 weeks. The other group will continue their usual care for 12 weeks (this is called a 'waitlist' period) and then get access to the Bootle Blast game for 12 weeks. Everyone involved will receive the game eventually.

Children using the Bootle Blast game will play it at home for about 15-20 minutes a day, 3 to 4 days a week, for 12 weeks. The game automatically keeps track of how much they play. Some children will also receive a 10-minute phone call each week from a coach to offer support and encouragement.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer some potential benefits, such as your child having the chance to try out a new, fun way to practice their arm and hand movements at home, which might improve their function and involvement in daily activities. We hope this could also help reduce difficulties in getting regular therapy. The main risk associated with Bootle Blast would be the potential for physical activity to trigger medical conditions like uncontrolled epilepsy, or strain if used incorrectly, though study staff will screen for these and provide guidance. You are free to withdraw your child from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your child’s usual medical care.

Locations (3)

Grandview Kids
Verified postcode
Ajax, Canada· Not yet recruiting
Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario
Verified postcode
Ottawa, Canada· Recruiting
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is hemiplegic cerebral palsy?

It's a type of cerebral palsy where a child's movement and strength are mostly affected on one side of their body, often including an arm and a leg.

What is Bootle Blast?

It's a new video game developed with children and families in mind, designed to help children with cerebral palsy practice their arm and hand movements at home in a fun, engaging way.

How long does the study last?

Each child will be involved for a total of 24 weeks, which includes either 12 weeks of playing the game followed by 12 weeks of follow-up, or 12 weeks of usual care followed by 12 weeks of playing the game.

Do we have to pay for anything?

No, all aspects of the study, including the Bootle Blast game and the assessments, are provided at no cost to participants.

Will my child definitely get to use the game?

Yes, all children taking part in the study will eventually get to use the Bootle Blast game. Some will start immediately, and others will after a 12-week wait.

How to find out more

Selvi Research Coordinator, MEng

ssert@hollandbloorview.ca 416-425-6220 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.