Helping people with cerebral palsy increase their daily steps
Improving Activity in Individuals With Cerebral Palsy
NA · Father Flanagan's Boys' Home · NCT06852664
We will try motivational coaching with a wearable activity monitor to see if ambulatory people with cerebral palsy can increase their daily steps.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Ages | 11 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Father Flanagan's Boys' Home (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Boys Town, Nebraska) |
| Trial ID | NCT06852664 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
People with cerebral palsy often take fewer steps each day, which can negatively affect overall health. Ambulatory participants (GMFCS I–III) will complete baseline neuroimaging (MEG) and clinical mobility tests, then undergo 8 weeks of motivational interviewing–based behavioral coaching paired with a wearable activity monitor. Daily step counts, laboratory measures of functional mobility, and sensorimotor cortical activity will be reassessed after the intervention. The approach tests whether coaching can increase physical activity and produce measurable changes in mobility and brain function.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ambulatory individuals with cerebral palsy (GMFCS levels I–III) who can undergo MEG and are willing to participate in an 8‑week coaching program are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Non-ambulatory individuals (GMFCS IV–V), those with recent orthopedic surgery or botulinum toxin injections, people with metal that prevents MEG, or those unable/unwilling to use a wearable monitor or travel to the site are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may increase their daily walking activity and show improvements in mobility and related brain activity.
How similar studies have performed: Behavioral coaching using wearable activity monitors has increased steps in other populations, but there have been few trials specifically in people with cerebral palsy.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Cerebral palsy diagnosis and ambulatory (Gross Motor Function Classification Score \[GMFCS\] levels between I-III). Exclusion Criteria: * No orthopedic surgery in the last 6 months, botulinum injections within the last 6 months, or metal in their body that would preclude the use of MEG.
Where this trial is running
Boys Town, Nebraska
- Boys Town National Research Hospital — Boys Town, Nebraska, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Max J Kurz, PhD
- Email: max.kurz@boystown.org
- Phone: 531-355-8924
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.
Conditions: Cerebral Palsy, Fitbit, Mobility, Steps