Investigating how ankle-foot orthoses affect muscle activity in children with cerebral palsy

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) to assess the impact of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) on muscle activity during walking. It aims to analyze the amplitude, timing, and co-activation of lower limb muscles, particularly the medial gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior. Participants will undergo a standard clinical examination followed by a three-dimensional gait analysis to gather data on muscle performance. The findings could provide insights into optimizing AFO prescriptions for improved mobility in children with CP.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion criteria:

* Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I - III
* CP (bilateral \& unilateral)
* Age: 6 - 17 years
* Prescribed AFO by the medical team (as part of the standard care)

Exclusion criteria:

* Severe contractures or spasticity, which makes it impossible to wear a conventional AFO
* Cognitive or visual impairment that hinder them to understand instructions
* Previous surgery on bones and/or muscles of the legs in the last 12 months prior to assessment
* Presence of ataxia or dystonia

Where it's running

• UZ Leuven
  Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Kaat Desloovere, Prof. dr. — Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
• Study coordinator: Laure Everaert
• Email: laure.everaert@kuleuven.be
• Phone: +32472277564

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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.