Improving walking in children with cerebral palsy using biofeedback and robotic assistance
Official title: Quantifying Patient-specific Changes in Neuromuscular Control in Cerebral Palsy: Adaptation and Biofeedback During Gait
Run by University of Washington · NCT05899153 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help children with cerebral palsy walk better by using a special treadmill and robotic support to see if it helps them learn new walking patterns.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 7 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Washington Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Saint Paul, Minnesota) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 28, 2023 |
| Main results expected | May 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | January 1, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | June 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05899153 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children diagnosed with bilateral cerebral palsy affecting both legs and classified as Gross Motor Functional Classification System Level II.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have had recent surgeries, lower-extremity injuries, or specific medical conditions that hinder 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 research evaluates walking function in children with cerebral palsy (CP) by examining how they adapt and learn new movement patterns. The study employs a split-belt treadmill and a real-time multimodal feedback system, including a wearable robotic device that provides ankle resistance and audiovisual cues based on muscle activity. The goals are to measure adaptation rates, assess the impact of repeated training or orthopedic surgery, and explore individual differences in adaptation related to walking improvements. This innovative approach aims to enhance rehabilitation strategies for children with CP.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved walking abilities and rehabilitation strategies for children with cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using similar biofeedback and robotic assistance approaches have shown promise in improving motor function in various populations, suggesting potential success for this novel application.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of bilateral cerebral palsy that impacts both legs * Gross Motor Functional Classification System Level II * No surgery or lower-extremity injuries 12 months prior to enrollment * No botulinum toxin injections in prior 3 months * No prior selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery * No history of seizures or cardiac conditions that would preclude walking on a treadmill for 20 minutes * No current pain that hinders walking
Where it's running
-
Gillette Children's
Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Katherine M Steele, PhD — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Katherine M Steele, PhD
- Email: kmsteele@uw.edu
- Phone: 206-685-2390
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.