Robotic training to improve neck control in children and young adults with cerebral palsy.
Official title: Promoting Functional Neck Motion in Patients With Cerebral Palsy Using a Dynamic Neck Brace
Run by Columbia University · NCT06533293 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try a gentle robotic system to see if it helps young people (ages 11–21) with bilateral cerebral palsy and GMFCS IV–V improve head and neck coordination.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 11 Years to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Columbia University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (New York, New York and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 6, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 9, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06533293 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children and young adults aged 11–21 with bilateral cerebral palsy classified GMFCS IV or V who can tolerate testing and training and do not have the listed exclusions.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe cognitive impairment, uncontrolled epilepsy, severe dyskinesia, major spinal malformations or extreme vertebral deformities, blindness, recent chemo-denervation, or those outside the age range are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The study first records head-neck motion and muscle activity in a single session using motion capture, body-mounted sensors, and EMG to characterize kinematics across children with bilateral cerebral palsy (GMFCS IV–V) and able-bodied controls. In a second phase, a prospective quasi-experimental cohort of participants will receive 12 robotic-assisted training sessions with measurements at baseline, during training, one week after training, and at three months. Functional outcomes include the Seated Posture and Reaching Control (SP&R-co) test as the primary outcome, with GMFM and COPM as secondary measures. The study plans to recruit about 30 participants aged 11–21, including 20 with CP (10 GMFCS IV, 10 GMFCS V) and 10 able-bodied controls for the characterization phase.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the robotic training could improve head-neck coordination and seated posture, which may enhance reaching ability, daily function, and caregiver support needs.
How similar studies have gone: Robotic motor-training has shown promise for limb and trunk control in cerebral palsy, but using robotics specifically to train head-neck coordination is relatively novel with limited prior data.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * CP, as medical diagnosis * GMFCS IV-V classification Exclusion Criteria: * severe cognitive deficits * uncontrolled epilepsy * severe dyskinesia * spinal cord malformations * severe vertebral column deformities (scoliosis \>40° and/or kyphosis \>45º) * blindness * chemo-denervation 3 months before study
Where it's running
-
ROAR Lab, Mudd Hall
New York, New York, United States Recruiting -
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
New York, New York, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sunil Agrawal — Columbia University
- Study coordinator: Sunil K Agrawal, PhD
- Email: sunil.agrawal@columbia.edu
- Phone: 2128542841
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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.