Spinal Stimulation During Walking to See If Spasticity Lessens in Cerebral Palsy
Official title: Acute Effects of Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation on Spasticity and Gait in Cerebral Palsy
Run by University of Washington · NCT07826494 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether walking with non-invasive spinal stimulation reduces leg muscle tightness and improves walking in children and young adults with cerebral palsy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 4 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Washington Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Seattle, Washington) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 13, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | September 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07826494 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 4–65 years old with spastic cerebral palsy, GMFCS levels I–III, and the ability to walk at least 10 minutes.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants with non-spastic CP, lower functional levels than GMFCS I–III, recent lower-extremity surgery, or contraindications to stimulation may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will examine the immediate effects of transcutaneous spinal stimulation during treadmill walking in people with cerebral palsy. Each participant will complete two in-lab visits: one with spinal stimulation while walking and one with walking only. A combination of biomechanical measurements and clinician assessments will be used to gauge spasticity and gait, including step length and gait deviation. The stimulation is delivered using the SCiP device with specific parameters, tailored to each person’s comfort limits. The goal is to determine whether acute spinal stimulation can enhance walking performance and reduce spasticity compared with walking without stimulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience lower leg stiffness during walking and better walking quality after an acute stimulation session.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown reduced spasticity with walking plus spinal stimulation, supporting further exploration in CP.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Individuals who: * have a diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy or high likelihood of CP diagnosis * are 4-65 years of age * have spasticity in lower-extremity muscles * are at a functional Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Level I-III * can walk for at least 10 minutes with/without support * can understand and follow simple directions * have a stable medical condition, as reported by the caregiver/parent Exclusion Criteria: Individuals who: * who have had lower-extremity surgery or injury in the prior 12 months * have had botulinum toxin injections in the prior 3 months * have had selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) in the past * have uncontrolled seizures * have significant cardiovascular or musculoskeletal disease that would prevent full participation * are dependent on ventilation support * have implanted stimulator (e.g. epidural stimulator, vagus nerve stimulator, pacemaker, cochlear implant, etc) or drug delivery device (e.g. baclofen pump) * have established osteoporosis and taking medication for osteoporosis treatment. * have rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.) * have active cancer * have received stem cell injections into the spinal cord
Where it's running
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University of Washington
Seattle, Washington, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Katherine Steele, PhD — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Katherine Steele, PhD
- Email: kmsteele@uw.edu
- Phone: 206-685-2390
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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.