Letting kids set their own therapy goals: a game changer?
NCT ID NCT05017363
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a child-focused goal-setting method called ENGAGE helps children with neurodevelopmental disabilities do better in therapy. About 96 kids aged 5-12 and their therapists will be split into two groups: one using ENGAGE and one using usual care. Researchers will measure improvements in goal performance, daily functioning, and quality of life, and also check if the approach saves time and money.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- ENGAGE goal-setting approach (a procedure involving goal-setting tools and strategies)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that involving children in setting their own therapy goals leads to better outcomes and more efficient use of rehabilitation services.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 96 children, so results may not apply to all settings. The intervention is a behavioral procedure, not a drug, so effects may be modest.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 96 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2021
- Expected to finish
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May 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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5 to 12 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Referred to Physical Therapy and/or Occupational Therapy for a period of direct treatment, * English speaking Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of a progressive condition * The child has uncontrolled seizures (i.e., had a seizure within the past 2 months).
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Locations
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University of Alberta
RECRUITINGEdmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G4, Canada
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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