Guided self-stretching for spastic calf muscles in adults with cerebral palsy
Official title: Clinical, Biomechanical, Histo-immunological and Radiological Characterization of the Effects of Two Gastrocnemius Stretching Programs in Adult Patients With Spastic Paresis Following Cerebral Palsy: MYOSPAS-CP, a Randomized Controlled Study
Run by Neuroloco · NCT07293988 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether a guided daily self-stretching program can lengthen calf muscles and improve walking in adults with cerebral palsy who have stiff, shortened calf muscles.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Neuroloco Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Créteil, Île-de-France Region) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 19, 2022 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | December 19, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07293988 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with cerebral palsy (hemiparesis or diparesis) who have limited gastrocnemius extensibility (XV1 < 100°), a barefoot walking speed of 0.3–1.2 m/s, and the ability to consent and perform daily self-stretching are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with recent botulinum toxin injections to the gastrocnemius, implanted electronic or certain metallic devices, bleeding disorders, severe cognitive impairment, or inability to commit to daily stretching are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, single-blind study compares a Guided Self-Rehabilitation Contract (high-load daily stretching) with conventional therapy in adults with hemiparesis or diparesis due to cerebral palsy. Investigators will use muscle imaging, biomechanical testing, clinical walking assessments, and micro-invasive gastrocnemius biopsy to document structural and functional muscle changes. The protocol includes genetic, histological, radiological, mechanical, physiological, and clinical outcome measures to determine whether muscle alterations are reversible with intensive self-stretching. Participants will be adults with reduced calf extensibility and moderate walking speed who can consent and follow the program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could restore calf muscle extensibility and architecture and improve ankle range and walking speed without surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies and a randomized trial in adults with acquired hemiparesis have shown increased fascicle length, muscle thickness, and improved gait speed after prolonged high-load self-stretching, supporting the plausibility of this approach though long-term adult CP data remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Hemiparesis or diparesis resulting from a cerebral lesion occurring during the perinatal period (cerebral palsy). * Gastrocnemius extensibility XV1 \< 100° (XV1, Tardieu Scale). * Maximum barefoot walking speed (AT10) between 0.3 and 1.2 m/s. * Written informed consent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Botulinum toxin injections in the medial gastrocnemius within less than 3 months prior to study inclusion. * Cognitive impairment preventing participation in the GSC program or in the study. * Patients under legal guardianship or conservatorship. * Known hemostasis disorders. * Hypersensitivity to allergens. * Presence of a metallic intraocular foreign body (accidental fragments or others), a pacemaker, a neurostimulator (pain treatment), a cochlear implant, or, more generally, any implanted electronic medical device that cannot be removed; presence of a metallic cardiac valve in the study participant.
Where it's running
-
Maud Pradines
Créteil, Île-de-France Region, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: MAUD PRADINES, PT, PhD
- Email: maud.pradines@u-pec.fr
- Phone: +33 676 845 339
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.