rTMS approach to improve motor function in cerebral palsy kids

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 interventional study uses 6-Hz primed low- and high-frequency rTMS alongside MRI and HD-EEG to explore changes in brain excitability and motor function in children with cerebral palsy. Researchers will measure motor evoked potentials and TMS-evoked potentials to assess neural plasticity and potential meta-plasticity. The goal is to see if targeted brain stimulation can speed rehabilitation and potentially reduce long-term healthcare needs. Participants include children with CP and typically developing peers aged 6–20, with safety, tolerability, and feasibility being key focuses.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria (CP):

* Aged 6 - 20 years,
* A confirmed diagnosis of CP by a specialized professional (pediatric neurologist, PM\&R physician, neonatal developmental specialist, or neonatologist) is a prerequisite for participation,
* Classified as high functioning (Level I, II, or III) according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS),
* Age-appropriate ability to understand and comply with study procedure throughout the entire duration of the study,
* Preserved vision and hearing (with or without correction).

Inclusion Criteria (TD):

* Aged 6 - 20 years
* Age-appropriate ability to understand and comply with study procedure throughout the entire duration of the study,
* Preserved vision and hearing (with or without correction).

Exclusion Criteria (CP):

* Syndromic or genetic brain-related associations,
* History of major trauma or brain surgery,
* Inability to remain still,
* History of Epilepsy,
* Severe coexisting sickness or illness unrelated to CP or unstable medical conditions such as pneumonia,
* Modified Ashworth Scale: Shoulder, elbow, and wrist scores more than 3,
* Limb contractures caused by any other injury except CP,
* Severe movement disorders that prevent intentional limb movements, such as choreoathetosis, or ballismus,
* Contraindications for rTMS include non-removable metallic objects close to a coil and implanted electronic devices, such as cochlear implants and pacemakers.

Exclusion Criteria (TD):

* Syndromic or genetic brain-related associations,
* History of major trauma or brain surgery,
* Inability to remain still,
* History of Epilepsy,
* Severe coexisting sickness or illness unrelated to CP or unstable medical conditions such as pneumonia,
* Limb contractures caused by injury,
* Severe movement disorders that prevent intentional limb movements, such as choreoathetosis, or ballismus,
* Contraindications for rTMS include non-removable metallic objects close to a coil and implanted electronic devices, such as cochlear implants and pacemakers.

Where it's running

• Cook Children's Hospital
  Fort Worth, Texas, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Christos Papadelis, PhD — Cook Children's Health Care System
• Study coordinator: Christos Papadelis, PhD
• Email: Christos.Papadelis@cookchildrens.org
• Phone: 682-305-3236

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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.