Understanding muscle and metabolic issues in young people with spastic cerebral palsy

Muscle-tendon Pathology, Metabolic Dysregulation and Chronic Inflammation in Adolescents and Young Adults With Moderate to Severe Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Observational University of Graz · NCT06330922

This study is testing how muscle and health issues affect young people with spastic cerebral palsy and whether a special tricycle training program can help improve their fitness and overall health.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages14 Years to 30 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Graz Academic / other
Locations1 site (Graz)
Trial IDNCT06330922 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to investigate muscle-tendon pathology and the risk of cardiometabolic diseases in young individuals aged 14 to 30 with moderate to severe spastic cerebral palsy. The study will compare these individuals with their less affected peers and healthy controls to understand the impact of physical inactivity on muscle function and inflammation. Additionally, a 12-week training intervention using special tricycles will be implemented to assess potential adaptations in their muscular and cardiorespiratory systems. The findings could provide insights into the health challenges faced by this population and inform future interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents and young adults aged 14 to 30 with moderate to severe spastic cerebral palsy.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of cerebral palsy or recent orthopedic surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of health risks associated with spastic cerebral palsy.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited information on similar studies, the focus on muscle-tendon pathology and cardiometabolic risk in this specific population is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* spastic cerebral palsy
* mildly, moderately or severly affected (Gross Motor Function Classification System level I-IV)
* age range 14 - 30 years
* ability to accept and follow verbal instructions
* strong communication skills
* sufficient vision (visual function that enables safe movement with reference to people and obstacles)
* less than 15 hours of experience with the Frame Runners; healthy peers in the same age range

Exclusion Criteria:

* other forms of cerebral palsy
* orthopaedic surgery in the last 12 months
* Botulinum toxin application in the last 6 months

Where this trial is running

Graz

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.
Conditions Cerebral Palsy, SpasticCerebral PalsySpasticityCardiorespiratory FitnessFrame RunningMuscle
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.