Neurotechnology to improve arm and wrist movement in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy
Enhancing Pediatric Neurorehabilitation: Integration of Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) and Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Technologies to Improve Upper Extremity Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy
This project tests whether a brain-computer interface that turns imagined wrist movements into electrical stimulation of muscles can help 12–17-year-olds with hemiparetic cerebral palsy regain wrist and arm function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 8 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alberta Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Edmonton, Alberta) |
| Trial ID | NCT07269353 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The program uses a closed-loop system combining EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI), motor imagery, and functional electrical stimulation (FES) so that when a child imagines wrist movement the system delivers stimulation to produce the movement. Sessions include an EEG cap to detect motor-related brain activity, real-time visual feedback, and targeted FES to the affected muscles, with repeated pairing intended to strengthen brain–muscle connections. The team will adapt the equipment and protocols to be child-centered and measure changes in upper-extremity function and daily living activities. Participants are adolescents with moderate-to-severe hemiparetic cerebral palsy who can sit for sessions and produce detectable motor imagery signals.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are 12–17-year-olds with unilateral (hemiparetic) cerebral palsy, moderate to severe upper-limb impairment (GMFCS I–IV, MACS II–III), who can sit for sessions and generate detectable motor imagery on EEG.
Not a fit: Children with no measurable wrist extensor strength, bilateral perinatal stroke, severe contractures or MACS V, or those unable to produce reliable brain signals or comply with the protocol are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the therapy could improve voluntary wrist extension and overall arm function, helping participants perform everyday tasks more independently.
How similar studies have performed: Related BCI-FES approaches have shown promising results in adults and small pediatric pilots, but large-scale evidence in children with hemiparetic CP is still limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Clinically confirmed and functionally disabling moderate to severe hemiparetic CP (GMFCS levels I-IV and MACS levels II\&III) with personalized goals that include improvement of wrist extension of affected upper extremity 2. Age 12-17 years, 3. Informed Consent/assent, 4. Normal corrected vision and hearing 5. Ability to maintain supported sitting for 30 min or more Exclusion Criteria: 1. Bilateral perinatal stroke 2. Motor strength of wrist extension zero 3. Severe hemiparesis (MACS V) 4. Severe developmental delay and/or other inability to comply with study protocol 5. Severe wrist contractures limiting wrist extension 6. Upper extremity orthopedic surgery or botulinum toxin in the preceding 6 months, 7. Initial classification accuracy below level of significance (as determined by the BCI system)
Where this trial is running
Edmonton, Alberta
- Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital — Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ephrem Zewdie, MD, PhD
- Email: etakele@ualberta.ca
- Phone: (780) 492-2463
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.