Using blood flow restriction to improve motor skills in children with cerebral palsy
Remote Ischemic Conditioning to Enhance Motor Learning and Corticospinal Excitability in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy
This study is looking at whether a special technique called remote ischemic conditioning can help children with unilateral cerebral palsy learn and keep motor skills better when they practice using both hands.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Carolina University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greenville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10669555 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) as a method to enhance motor learning and brain plasticity in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP). By applying brief episodes of controlled blood flow restriction through a blood pressure cuff, the study aims to improve the effectiveness of bimanual skill training. The goal is to determine if RIC can help children with UCP learn motor skills more effectively and retain those skills over time. This approach could provide a new avenue for rehabilitation that may lead to better functional outcomes for affected children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with unilateral cerebral palsy who experience difficulties with upper extremity function and bimanual coordination.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of cerebral palsy or those who do not have significant motor function impairments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve motor function and independence in children with unilateral cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary clinical trials have shown that remote ischemic conditioning can enhance motor learning in healthy individuals, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
Greenville, United States
- East Carolina University — Greenville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Surkar, Swati Manoharrao — East Carolina University
- Study coordinator: Surkar, Swati Manoharrao
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 below.