Understanding motor behavior in high-risk infants

Neuro-biomechanical Aspects Determining the Motor Behavior in Infants With High-risk of Neuromotor Impairments

University Hospital, Geneva · NCT06111898

This study is trying to understand how movement and muscle development in high-risk infants, like those born early or with brain injuries, compare to typically developing infants to help find better ways to support their growth.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment348 (estimated)
Ages35 Weeks to 1 Year
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Geneva (other)
Locations1 site (Geneva)
Trial IDNCT06111898 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project investigates the motor development, muscle growth, and muscle activity in high-risk infants, particularly those born prematurely or with brain injuries. Using advanced techniques like 3D freehand ultrasound and electromyography, the study aims to identify the neuro-biomechanical factors that influence motor behavior during the first year of life. By comparing high-risk infants with typically developing infants, the research seeks to establish a comprehensive assessment tool for early diagnosis and intervention strategies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include infants born before or at 28 weeks of gestation, those with brain injuries, or term infants diagnosed with asphyxia or neonatal stroke.

Not a fit: Patients with genetic syndromes or lower limb pathologies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved early diagnosis and targeted therapies for high-risk infants, enhancing their long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding neurodevelopmental outcomes in high-risk populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion \& exclusion criteria for group of high-risk infants:

* Infants born before or at 28 weeks of gestation
* Infants born after 28 weeks of gestation and with brain injury.
* A term birth with the clinical diagnosis of asphyxia (ischemic event with hypothermia) or neonatal stroke
* Exclusion in case of genetic syndrome, or lower limb pathology (e.g. spina bifida)

Inclusion \& exclusion criteria for group of typically developing children:

* Born at a gestational age above 37 weeks
* Birth weight between P10 and P90
* Head circumference between P10 and P90
* Ph \>7.1
* Exclusion in case of genetic syndrome, lower limb pathology and/or brain malformations

Where this trial is running

Geneva

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Premature Birth, Cerebral Palsy, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Brain Injuries, Nervous System Diseases, Brain Imaging, General Movements, 3D freehand ultrasound

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.