tDCS with VR for gait and self-esteem in kids 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 is a three-arm randomized trial enrolling 42 children aged 8–16 with spastic diplegic CP and GMFCS levels I–III. Participants will be assigned to active tDCS plus VR, sham tDCS plus VR, or conventional physical therapy, with 18 treatment sessions over six weeks. The active tDCS group receives 1 mA of low-intensity stimulation for 20 minutes per session alongside a structured VR rehab program focusing on postural control, balance, coordination, gait-related activity, and cognitive-motor integration. Outcome assessment is conducted by an assessor blinded to treatment group. The study compares the additive effect of active tDCS to VR against sham stimulation with VR and against conventional therapy to see if this combined approach improves motor function and related outcomes in this population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy (spastic diplegia). Age 8-16 years. Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-III. Presence of mild to moderate lower-limb spasticity, defined as a Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) score between 1 and 3 in at least one major lower-limb muscle group, such as the gastrocnemius, hamstrings, or hip adductors.

Able to understand and follow verbal instructions. Parent or guardian provides informed consent and the child provides assent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of seizures or epilepsy. Implanted metal or electronic devices, such as a pacemaker. Severe cognitive impairment that prevents comprehension of study tasks. Skin allergies, lesions, or other conditions affecting the electrode application sites.

Current use of antispasticity medication that could directly influence spasticity outcomes.

Botulinum toxin injection within the previous 3 months. Recent orthopedic surgery or change in medication regimen within the previous 5 days.

Concurrent participation in alternative or adjunct therapies outside the study protocol.

Refusal to participate or withdrawal of consent/assent.

Where it's running

• Al-Farabi Special Education Centre for Physically Handicapped
  Islamabad, Pakistan Recruiting
• Sedum School of Rehabilitation
  Islamabad, Pakistan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Hassan R Rauf, Ms Pediatric Physical Therapy
• Email: hassanrauf507@gmail.com
• Phone: +923161504297

Similar studies

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

• Effects of brain stimulation and VR on balance and thinking in kids with spastic diplegic CP

  This study tests whether active brain stimulation plus virtual reality training improves balance and thinking skills in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy more than sham stimulation with the same VR training or conventional physical therapy.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Riphah International University · Islamabad and 1 other locations · NCT07829770

• VR-based Gamified Rehabilitation for Children with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy

  This trial tests a virtual reality–driven gamified rehab program using Xbox Kinect plus standard physical therapy versus standard therapy alone in kids aged 7–15 with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

  Recruiting Ibadat International University, Islamabad · Islamabad · NCT07747961

• Immersive Mixed Reality plus physical therapy to improve balance in adolescents with spastic diplegic CP

  This study tests whether adding fully immersive Mixed Reality to standard physical therapy helps 10- to 19-year-olds with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy improve balance and coordination more than physical therapy alone.

  Recruiting Ibadat International University, Islamabad · Mansehra, Kpk · NCT07685327

• Sensory Walkway Training to Improve Gait in Children with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy

  This study tests whether adding a textured sensory walkway to standard physical therapy helps improve walking in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

  Recruiting Cairo University · Dokki, Giza Governorate · NCT07595744

• FES plus task-oriented training for lower-limb function in children with spastic diplegic CP

  This study tests whether adding Functional Electrical Stimulation to task-oriented training helps 3–7 year olds with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy improve leg function, balance, and quality of life.

  Recruiting Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences · Lahore, Punjab Province · NCT07924813

• tDCS plus Action Observation Therapy for leg function in children with diplegic CP

  This study tests whether adding active brain stimulation to action observation therapy can improve leg movement in kids with diplegic cerebral palsy better than a sham stimulation with the same therapy.

  Recruiting Riphah International University · Wah, Punjab Province · NCT07921095

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.