Examining how awareness and multitasking affect walking in children with cerebral palsy
Ecological Validity of Clinical Gait Analysis in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Influence of the Hawthorne Effect and Dual-tasks. A Pilot Study
This study looks at how being aware of others watching and doing two things at once affects how children with cerebral palsy walk.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Ages | 4 Years to 16 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Roessingh Research and Development Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Enschede, Overijssel) |
| Trial ID | NCT05417399 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the impact of the Hawthorne effect and dual-tasking on gait in children with cerebral palsy who exhibit knee flexion during walking. Researchers will analyze how these factors influence spatiotemporal and kinematic variables during a standard 3D gait analysis. The study will involve children aged 4-16 years with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy, assessing their gait under different conditions of observational awareness and multitasking. The goal is to better understand how these variables affect walking patterns in everyday life compared to a clinical setting.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 4-16 years with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy classified as GMFCS I-III who use bilateral AFOs.
Not a fit: Patients with behavioral issues, significant visual disorders, or other diagnoses affecting gait may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved gait analysis techniques and better treatment strategies for children with cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of factors being studied is novel, previous studies have explored the effects of observational awareness and dual-tasking on gait in other populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Cerebral palsy, bilateral spastic, GMFCS classification I-III * Age \<16 years * Use of bilateral AFO's (rigid or ground reaction AFO's) to improve knee extension in stance Exclusion Criteria: * Behavioural issues or poor instructability which might affect participation in the protocol * Significant visual disorders * Other diagnoses influencing gait * Not willing to sign informed consent before inclusion
Where this trial is running
Enschede, Overijssel
- Roessingh Research and Development — Enschede, Overijssel, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Martin Oude Alink, Msc
- Email: m.oudealink@roessingh.nl
- Phone: 0031534875454
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.