Measuring stiffness and spasticity in children with cerebral palsy

Protocol Validation of Dynamometric Measurement of Passive Inter-segmental Stiffness and Spasticity in Children With Cerebral Palsy: (DYNA_PC)

Not applicable Interventional Fondation Ellen Poidatz · NCT04596852

This study tests a new way to measure stiffness and tightness in children with cerebral palsy to see if it can help doctors make better treatment decisions.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment85 (estimated)
Ages7 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorFondation Ellen Poidatz Academic / other
Locations1 site (Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry)
Trial IDNCT04596852 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to validate a protocol for measuring passive inter-segmental stiffness and spasticity in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy. By comparing clinical gait analysis with clinical examinations, the study seeks to enhance the accuracy of assessments that influence treatment decisions. The focus is on improving the reliability of measurements that currently depend on subjective evaluations by practitioners. The study includes both children with cerebral palsy and healthy children for comparison purposes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children aged 7 to 18 years with a clinical diagnosis of cerebral palsy who can cooperate and follow instructions.

Not a fit: Patients who have undergone surgery or botulinum toxin injections within the last six months or those with a diagnosis of dystonia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate assessments and better treatment options for children with cerebral palsy.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research in this area, the specific approach of validating a protocol for measuring stiffness and spasticity in this manner is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
The inclusion criteria for PC children are :

* A clinical diagnosis of CP noted in the medical record
* An age between 7 and 18 years old
* Levels I to III for the Global Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS)
* Ability to cooperate, understand and follow simple instructions
* Patient affiliated to the French social security system
* Voluntary patient whose parents have given their consent to participate

The inclusion criteria for healthy children are :

* An age between 7 and 18 years old
* Ability to cooperate, understand and follow simple instructions
* Patient affiliated to the French social security system
* Voluntary patient whose parents have given their consent to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

* Medical decision for any reason
* Child or parent decision for any reason
* Inability to cooperate, to understand and to follow instructions
* Surgery or botulinum toxin injection within 6 months prior to the start of the study.
* A diagnosis of a form of dystonia.

Where this trial is running

Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. 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
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.