Improving ankle function in children with cerebral palsy
Official title: Augmenting Ankle Plantarflexor Function and Walking Capacity in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Run by Northern Arizona University · NCT05154253 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if special ankle exercises and support can help children with cerebral palsy move better compared to regular physical therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 8 Years to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Northern Arizona University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | September 14, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 25, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05154253 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children aged 8 to 21 with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy and ankle dysfunction affecting their gait.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with conditions other than cerebral palsy that affect safe participation may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to enhance ankle muscle function and mobility in children with cerebral palsy through targeted ankle resistance gait training and adaptive ankle assistance. The research will compare the effectiveness of these interventions against standard physical therapy and gait training. Participants will undergo assessments of their lower-extremity motor control and gait mechanics at four and twelve weeks post-intervention. The study focuses on children aged 8 to 21 who have a diagnosis of cerebral palsy and specific mobility challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve walking ability and overall mobility in children with cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using robotic assistance for gait training in similar populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages between 8 and 21 years old, inclusive. Diagnosis of CP and a pathological gait pattern caused by ankle dysfunction. * Able to understand and follow simple directions (based on parent report, if needed) and walk at least 30 feet with or without a walking aid (Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Level I-III). * At least 20° of passive plantar-flexion range of motion. Exclusion Criteria: * Concurrent treatment other than those assigned during the study. * A condition other than CP that would affect safe participation. * Surgical intervention within 6 months of participation.
Where it's running
-
Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Zach F Lerner, PhD — Northern Arizona University
- Study coordinator: Zach Lerner, PhD
- Email: zachary.lerner@nau.edu
- Phone: 928-523-1787
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Sensory Integration Therapy vs Conventional Physical Therapy in Children With Mixed Cerebral Palsy
This study tests whether Sensory Integration Therapy helps improve gross motor function more than standard physical therapy in children aged 4–10 with mixed cerebral palsy.
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A Turkish version of the ABILHAND-Kids Young CP questionnaire is being created and tested to see if it reliably measures manual ability in 2-to-7-year-olds with cerebral palsy, based on parent reports.
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This study looks at whether individualized multisite upper limb surgery helps improve hand function in kids with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, using each child as their own control before and after surgery.
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Spinal Stimulation During Walking to See If Spasticity Lessens in Cerebral Palsy
This study tests whether walking with non-invasive spinal stimulation reduces leg muscle tightness and improves walking in children and young adults with cerebral palsy.
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Combined leg nerve blocks for kids with cerebral palsy after surgery
This study tests whether adding two nerve blocks to standard anesthesia helps control pain in children with cerebral palsy after lower limb surgery.
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This study tests whether a phone’s accelerometer can reliably measure walking in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy.
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.