Understanding energy costs of walking in children with cerebral palsy
Quantifying Energetic Demands of Walking for People With Cerebral Palsy
This study tests how much energy children with cerebral palsy use when they walk and whether different types of support can help them walk more easily.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Washington Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Saint Paul, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT04303078 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to investigate the high energy demands associated with walking in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP). By quantifying the energetic costs of walking and related tasks, the researchers hope to identify the underlying mechanisms that contribute to these elevated energy expenditures. The study will involve varying levels of harness support during walking to assess how these factors influence energy use. The findings could inform future interventions aimed at reducing fatigue and improving the quality of life for individuals with CP.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 8-17 years with a diagnosis of bilateral cerebral palsy and classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System II.
Not a fit: Patients who have undergone surgery within the last 9 months or have received specific treatments like botulinum toxin injections in the last 2 months may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective strategies that reduce energy costs and fatigue for children with cerebral palsy, enhancing their daily activities and overall quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been various interventions aimed at reducing energy costs in CP, this study's focus on quantifying the energetic demands is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for Cases: * 8-17 years old * Diagnosed with bilateral cerebral palsy * Gross Motor Function Classification System II * No surgery within the last 9 months * No current baclofen pump or explantation in the last 2 months * No botulinum toxin or phenol injections in the last 2 months * Had a prior gait and motion analysis at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare * Participant and caregiver able to speak and read English * Ability to follow instructions Inclusion Criteria for Controls: * 8-17 years old * Participant and caregiver able to speak and read English * Ability to follow instructions
Where this trial is running
Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare — Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Katherine Steele, PhD — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Michael Schwartz, PhD
- Email: mschwartz@gillettechildrens.com
- Phone: 651-229-1745
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.