Spinal Cord Stimulation for Children With Cerebral Palsy
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age5-17
SponsorMartin Piazza
About this trial
The goal of this clinical trial is to help understand spinal cord excitability in children with cerebral palsy compared to neurologically typical children. The main questions it aims to answer are:
* What are the mechanisms of spinal circuit hyperexcitability in CP? * Can transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation reduce spinal circuit hyperexcitability?
Participants with cerebral palsy will be asked to complete:
* Movement and strength exercises * Mild, non-invasive stimulation on the back and legs that feels like a light tap. * Gentle, non-invasive tests that help us see how the brain and the spinal cord communicate with the muscles
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Children aged 5 to 17 years with a confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy.
Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Levels I to IV, able to walk with or without assistance (walker or cane). This classification will have been completed by Dr. Martin Piazza and his Movement Disorders clinic team.
Stable medical condition without recent surgeries or interventions that could affect motor function.
Must be able to communicate basic needs and follow simple instructions.
Disqualifiers
Presence of implanted medical devices (e.g., baclofen pumps, deep brain stimulators) that may interfere with TSCS.
Severe scoliosis or spinal deformities that could affect the delivery of tSCS.
Uncontrolled epilepsy or a history of frequent seizures.
Severe cognitive impairments limiting the ability to comply with study procedures.
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (tSCS)
Treatment groups
30 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsSponsors and collaborators
Martin Piazza
Lead sponsor
University of Pittsburgh
Sponsor institution
Source ClinicalTrials.gov