Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 8 to 12

Using brain stimulation to reduce falling risks in children with cerebral palsy

Official title: Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Risk of Falling in Cerebral Palsy Spastic Hemiplegic Children

Run by Cairo University · NCT06730763 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a type of brain stimulation can help improve balance and reduce falling risks in children aged 8-12 with cerebral palsy who can walk on their own.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages8 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorCairo University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Giza, Giza Governorate)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 1, 2024
Main results expectedFebruary 1, 2025
Study endsJune 1, 2025
Registry record updatedFebruary 11, 2025
Trial IDNCT06730763 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are children aged 8-12 years with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy classified as GMFCS levels II and III.

Probably not a fit

Patients with orthopedic deformities, a history of seizures, or those who have participated in a tDCS study within the last 6 months may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on improving balance and reducing the risk of falling in children aged 8-12 with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. The research focuses on children classified as GMFCS levels II and III, who can walk independently for at least 12 months. Participants will undergo tDCS combined with exercise interventions to assess changes in their functional balance and fall risk. The study aims to provide insights into effective strategies for enhancing mobility and safety in this population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of falls and improve overall mobility in children with cerebral palsy.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of tDCS in other populations has shown promise, this specific application in children with cerebral palsy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age range between 8-12 years old.
* Classified on levels II and III of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) (Palisiano et al.,1997).
* the ability to walk without the assistance of another individual for at least 12 months prior to the onset of the study, regardless of whether a gait-assistance device was needed (GMFCS level III) or not (GMFCS level II).
* (Pediatric Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test 'TUGT') and acceptance of the TDCS procedure.
* Ability to understand and follow simple instructions.
* Parent or guardian consent obtained

Exclusion Criteria:

* Orthopedic deformities, a history of surgery or neurolytic block in the previous 12 months,
* Diagnosis of epilepsy or having experienced convulsive crises (whether treated with medication or not) in at least the two years prior to the onset of the study, metal implants in the skull, or the use of hearing aids.
* Previous participation in a tDCS study within the past 6 months.

Where it's running

  • Cairo University
    Giza, Giza Governorate, Egypt
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.