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Clinical trial No longer in our active list Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Ages 2 to 18

Using light therapy to reduce muscle spasticity in children with cerebral palsy

Official title: Photobiomodulation in the Treatment of Spasticity in Children With Cerebral Palsy. A Controlled, Randomized, Blind Study

Run by University of Nove de Julho · NCT06536751 · Data updated 2026-05-14

This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.

This study is testing if light therapy can help reduce muscle tightness and improve movement in children with cerebral palsy.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Ages2 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
Enrollment28 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Nove de Julho
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (São Paulo, SP and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06536751 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are children aged 2 to 18 years with a diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy affecting the lower limbs for at least three months.

Probably not a fit

Patients with fixed anatomical deformities of the ankle or other severe medical conditions may not benefit from this therapy.

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

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy in reducing gastrocnemius muscle spasticity in children aged 2 to 18 years diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy. The study is a double-blind, randomized, and controlled trial involving 28 participants who will receive either active light therapy or a placebo. The therapy aims to alleviate pain and improve muscle function through non-invasive treatment methods. Participants will be selected from the Physiotherapy Service of Universidade Nove de Julho and must have been undergoing physiotherapy for at least three months.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve the quality of life and functional abilities of children with spastic cerebral palsy.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with photobiomodulation therapy, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy affecting inferior limbs from any etiology;
* Cerebral palsy duration at least 03 months;
* Patients ongoing physiotherapy treatment at University.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with fixed anatomical deformities of the ankle that do not allow ankle joint movement of at least 90 degrees of amplitude;
* Patients with malnutrition;
* Patients who present acute clinical conditions with potential for increase spasticity such as acute fractures, skin ulcers, acute infections;
* Patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease;
* Patients with another type of movement or tone disorder;
* Patients who have exposed tumors in the area to be irradiated;
* Patients with a history of photosensitivity to photonic or light therapy;
* Patients who have undiagnosed lesions in the treatment region;
* Patients using topical photosensitizing medications or creams;

Where it's running

  • Universidade Nove de Julho / Post-Graduate program Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences
    São Paulo, Sp, Brazil     Recruiting
  • Universidade Nove de Julho / Post-Graduate program Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences
    Sao Paulo, Brazil     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.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ Find more trials like this →
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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.