Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 1 Interventional Ages 8 to 21

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

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Ages8 Years to 21 Years
SexAll
Enrollment36 (estimated)
SponsorNorthern Arizona University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 1, 2023
Main results expectedSeptember 14, 2026
Study endsSeptember 25, 2026
Registry record updatedMarch 3, 2026
Trial IDNCT05154253 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.