Combining brain stimulation and movement therapy for children with cerebral palsy
Concurrent Use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Constraint Induced Movement Therapy in Children With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy: A Feasibility Study
This study is testing if using brain stimulation along with a special movement therapy can help children with cerebral palsy move better and improve their daily activities.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Months to 5 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Manitoba Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Winnipeg, Manitoba) |
| Trial ID | NCT04902521 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of combining transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) in children diagnosed with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP). CIMT encourages the use of the affected limb by restraining the unaffected one, while TMS uses magnetic pulses to enhance brain neuroplasticity. The goal is to determine if this combined approach can improve mobility and function in children with CP. The study will also assess the feasibility of this therapy for families.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include children diagnosed with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy who are classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I to III.
Not a fit: Patients who have received CIMT in the last six months or have severe impairments limiting their ability to participate may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this combined therapy could significantly enhance mobility and upper limb function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies, such as the PLASTIC Champs trial, have shown promising results with similar combined approaches, although this study aims to address limitations in generalizability.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of unilateral spastic CP * assessed as Gross Motor Function Classification System level I to III * assessed as Manual Ability Classification System level II to level IV Exclusion Criteria: * have received CIMT in the last 6 month * do not have neuroimaging studies to confirm clinical diagnosis of CP * severe impairments limiting their ability to participate
Where this trial is running
Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Sscy/rcc — Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Florencia Ricci, MD, PhD
- Email: fricci@hsc.mb.ca
- Phone: 2042586549
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.