Gait training using robotic exoskeletons for adolescents with cerebral palsy
Robotic Exoskeleton Gait Training in Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy
This study is testing if using robotic exoskeletons for gait training can help adolescents with cerebral palsy walk better compared to regular physical therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Ages | 14 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Father Flanagan's Boys' Home Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boys Town, Nebraska) |
| Trial ID | NCT05158218 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study involves adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy who will participate in a gait training protocol. Participants will undergo baseline assessments including brain imaging and mobility tests before being assigned to either traditional physical therapy or robotic exoskeleton gait training. After completing the training, they will repeat the assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions. The study aims to determine if robotic exoskeletons can enhance mobility improvements and promote neuroplasticity compared to standard gait training.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Not a fit: Patients with recent orthopedic surgery or those with metal implants that prevent MRI use may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve mobility and quality of life for adolescents with cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using robotic exoskeletons for rehabilitation, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * For Cerebral Palsy participants: * Cerebral Palsy diagnosis * For Non-Cerebral Palsy Controls: * No known atypical neurodevelopment (e.g autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, etc.) Exclusion Criteria: * No orthopedic surgery in the last 6 months or metal in their body that would preclude the use of an MRI.
Where this trial is running
Boys Town, Nebraska
- Boys Town National Research Hospital — Boys Town, Nebraska, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Max J Kurz, PhD — Father Flanagan's Boys' Home
- Study coordinator: Max J Kurz, PhD
- Email: max.kurz@boystown.org
- Phone: 531-355-8916
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.