Evaluating the Effects of an Electrical Stimulator on Improving the Walking Ability of Children With Cerebral Palsy

Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age7-40
SponsorUniversity of Nebraska

About this trial

The goal of this study is to see if gentle electrical stimulation can help children with cerebral palsy (CP) walk more easily. This stimulation, called neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), sends small pulses to muscles to help them activate. Researchers will test different ways of using NMES to find out which method works best.

Participants will walk on a treadmill at a comfortable speed while NMES is applied to leg muscles. The study will compare different stimulation settings to see which one helps the most.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Age 7-18

Diagnosis of spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP)

GMFCS level I-III (be able to walk with or without assistive devices)

MIGR < 40% femoral head covering in acetabulum

Disqualifiers

Diagnosis of athetoid or ataxic cerebral palsy (CP)

Scoliosis with primary curve > 49%

Spinal fusions extending into the pelvis

Lower Extremity (LE) joint instability or dislocation

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)

Treatment groups

65 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups

Sponsors and collaborators

University of Nebraska

Lead sponsor

National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)

Collaborator