Nutritional supplements for muscle growth in children with spastic 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 study investigates the feasibility of a 10-week nutritional supplement plan using leucine to enhance muscle growth in children diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy. The research focuses on assessing the effects of leucine on macroscopic muscle morphology, including muscle volume and cross-sectional area. By utilizing 3D freehand ultrasound, the study aims to provide pilot analyses on how leucine supplementation may improve muscle properties in this population. The findings could pave the way for future interventions aimed at improving muscle strength and function in children with cerebral palsy.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Spastic Cerebral Palsy (diagnosed by a neuro-pediatrician from the CP Reference Centre of the University Hospital Leuven)

* Uni- of bilateral involvement
* Level II or III on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS)
* Muscle volume for the medial gastrocnemius (target muscle) of at least 20% compared to the expected muscle volume in age-matched typically developing children

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of dyskinesia or ataxia
* Severe co-morbidities
* Botulinum toxin treatment ten months prior to assessment
* Previous orthopedic or neurosurgery
* Severe ankle deformities preventing fitting in test positions
* Ankle range of motion (ROM) \<30% of normal values

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: Ineke Verreydt
• Email: ineke.verreydt@kuleuven.be
• Phone: +3216341016

Similar studies

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

• Telerehabilitation vs clinic-based physiotherapy for children with spastic cerebral palsy

  This study tests whether structured telerehabilitation can be as effective as in-clinic physiotherapy for improving movement in children aged 4–12 with spastic cerebral palsy.

  Recruiting Riphah International University · Swābi, Kpk · NCT07921147

• Task-specific electrical stimulation to improve upper limb gross motor skills in children with spastic quadriplegia

  This trial tests whether task-specific electrical stimulation combined with targeted physical therapy can help improve arm and hand gross motor skills in children aged 2–6 with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

  Recruiting Kafrelsheikh University · Alexandria, Egypt · NCT06925425

• Effects of diving and aquatic exercises on muscle spasticity and motor function in children with cerebral palsy

  This study tests if diving and water exercises can help young children with spastic cerebral palsy move better and reduce muscle tightness.

  Recruiting Benha University · Banhā, Benha · NCT06902168

• Understanding muscle properties in children with cerebral palsy

  This study is trying to understand the tiny details of muscles in children with cerebral palsy to see how they relate to their overall muscle health and treatment results.

  Recruiting Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant · NCT06584851

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

  This study is testing how ankle-foot braces can change muscle activity in children with cerebral palsy while they walk to help improve their mobility.

  Recruiting Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant · NCT06532981

• Treatment for muscle tightness after stroke, spinal cord injury, or cerebral palsy

  This study is testing a new treatment using targeted radiation to see if it can help reduce muscle tightness in people who have had a stroke, spinal cord injury, or have cerebral palsy.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Ohio State University · Winter Park, Florida and 1 other locations · NCT06070233

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.