Non-invasive spinal stimulation to help kids with cerebral palsy move and reduce stiffness
Official title: Non-invasive spinal stimulation to reduce spasticity and improve mobility for children with cerebral palsy
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11465091 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests a non-invasive spinal stimulation plus treadmill training to reduce spasticity and improve walking in children with cerebral palsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $616,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD121129-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11465091 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children with cerebral palsy, typically in the 0–13 year range described, who can participate in treadmill training and non-invasive spinal stimulation.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not experience noticeable changes in spasticity or mobility despite the intervention.
What this research studies
Children with cerebral palsy often struggle with stiffness and limited mobility, impacting daily activities. This trial uses skin‑level spinal cord stimulation together with a specialized treadmill training program to see if both can lower spasticity and improve gait. Participants will complete a 24-session regimen over about 8 weeks, randomly assigned to receive stimulation with training, stimulation alone, training alone, or neither. The goal is to find a non-surgical approach that yields meaningful improvements in movement and daily functioning for kids aging from infancy to adolescence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, children could experience less muscle tightness and better ability to walk and perform daily activities without invasive surgery or strong medications.
How similar studies have gone: Prior small studies suggest that non-invasive neuromodulation plus therapy can reduce spasticity, but this specific combination in children is being tested in a rigorous trial.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moritz, Chet T. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Moritz, Chet T.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Cerebellum-targeted deep brain stimulation for severe movement problems and spasticity in cerebral palsy
This project tests whether implanted electrodes that stimulate a cerebellar motor area can reduce severe involuntary movements and muscle tightness in children and young adults with cerebral palsy.
-
Using brain stimulation to improve movement in children with cerebral palsy
This study is looking at how a special treatment called deep brain stimulation can help kids and young adults with cerebral palsy by improving their movement and reducing stiffness, and we're inviting ten participants to see if this approach makes a difference for them.
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Measuring how kids with cerebral palsy adapt their walking
A study to understand how children with cerebral palsy learn and adjust walking, and how personalized feedback during walking might improve their mobility.
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Wearable exoskeleton that provides on-demand leg stretching for people with spasticity
This project offers a wearable robotic device that provides on-demand leg stretching to help people with spasticity from spinal cord injury or brain injury reduce spasms and improve movement.
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Precise measure of how CP affects movement to guide treatment
Aims to create precise, child-friendly ways to measure selective motor control in cerebral palsy so treatment can be tailored to each child.
-
Shockwave therapy to help reduce spasticity after spinal cord injury
A randomized, sham-controlled trial will test whether extracorporeal shockwave therapy can lessen muscle tightness in people with spinal cord injuries.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.