Using brain stimulation to improve hand function training in children with cerebral palsy
Priming Effects of Ultra-high Frequency Quattro Pulse Transcranial Brain Stimulation Prior to Hand Motor Function Training in Children With Unilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy
This study tests if a special type of brain stimulation can help improve hand function training for children with cerebral palsy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Technical University of Munich Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Munich and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05165472 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of ultra-high frequency Quattro pulse transcranial brain stimulation on hand motor function training in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy. The approach combines non-invasive brain stimulation with intensive rehabilitation techniques to enhance motor skills. By considering individual differences in cortico-spinal projections, the study aims to optimize therapeutic outcomes for affected children. Participants will undergo brain stimulation prior to engaging in targeted hand function training.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6 to 18 years diagnosed with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy.
Not a fit: Patients with therapy refractory epilepsy, severe mental retardation, or psychiatric diseases may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve hand motor function in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of brain stimulation in rehabilitation is promising, evidence is limited, making this approach relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Assured diagnosis of USCP. 2. Children aged 6 to 18 years with USCP 3. Dated and signed informed consent of legal guardian, informed assent from minor Exclusion Criteria: 1. Therapy refractory epilepsy 2. Seizures within the last 2 years 3. More than 1 anti epileptic drugs 4. Implanted shunt system 5. If singular primary motor cortex cannot be identified by TMS, e.g. because of bilateral cortico-spinal reorganization or resting motor threshold above 80% maximum stimulator output (MSO) 6. Severe mental retardation 7. Psychiatric diseases 8. Pregnancy 9. Uncooperative patients
Where this trial is running
Munich and 1 other locations
- Technical University Munich — Munich, Germany (Recruiting)
- Clinic for Neuropediatrics and Neurorehabilitation, Epilepsy Center for Children and Adolescents, Schön Klinik — Vogtareuth, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Volker Mall, Prof.
- Email: volker.mall@kbo.de
- Phone: +49 (0)89 71009-233
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.