Active clinical trials for "Cerebral Palsy"

The purpose of this study is to investigate if a person with weakness or paralysis in one or both arms, can use the NuroSleeve combined powered arm brace (orthosis) and muscle stimulation system to help restore movement in one arm sufficient to perform daily activities. This study could lead to the development of a product that could allow people with arm weakness or arm paralysis to use the NuroSleeve and similar devices to improve arm health and independent function.

The goal of this project is to test a new AAC-BCI device comparing gel and dry electrode headgear used for communication while providing clinical care. Innovative resources will be employed to support the standard of care without considering limitations based on service billing codes. Clinical services will include AAC assessment, AAC-BCI device and treatment to individuals with minimal movement due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), brain stem strokes, severe cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their family support person. This is a descriptive study designed to measure and monitor the communication performance of individuals using the AAC-BCI, any other AAC strategies, their user satisfaction and perceptions of communication effectiveness, and the satisfaction of the family support persons.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neurological disorder characterized by a persistent decline in sensory, cognitive or especially gross and fine motor functions during infancy or early childhood. In children with spastic CP, spasticity, muscle weakness, delay in motor development, inadequacy of gross and fine motor skills, selective motor control and functional capacity may be affected. Selective motor control (SMC) is the ability to isolate a muscle or muscle group to perform a specific movement. In children with CP, spasticity directly causes impairment of SMC, as movement patterns governed by flexor or extensor synergies are affected, which inhibits functional movements. Motor dysfunction in CP causes activity limitations and can negatively affect functional capacity. In addition, falls may increase in individuals with CP due to poor balance control, resulting in pain, injury and disability, and may cause individuals to lose confidence in their ability to perform routine activities. Increased fear of falling in individuals with CP may also lead to restriction of activities.It was discussed that the interactive computer game has possible evidence of efficacy allowing to improve gross motor function in individuals with CP. It also appears to have the potential to produce gross motor improvements in terms of strength, balance, coordination and gait for individuals with CP.As a result of our literature review, studies investigating the effect of virtual reality games on gait, balance and coordination in children with CP were observed. However, the effect of virtual reality games on selective motor control has not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of our study, which is planned to eliminate this deficiency in the literature, is to investigate the effect of video game-based exercise training, which provides higher motivation than conventional physical therapy methods, on selective motor control, fear of falling and functional capacity in individuals with CP.

The goal of this prospective cohort study is to learn about the impact of an adapted dance program in youth with cerebral palsy. The main questions it aims to answer are: Are there clinically significant benefits for children with cerebral palsy who participate in an Adaptive Dance Program? Is it feasible to implement an adaptive dance program using action-observation principles for children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP)? Participants will complete a pre-dance program assessment, participate in a 10-week dance program (20 hours), and complete a post-dance program assessment.

A randomized, controlled, and evaluator-blinded trial will be carried out to investigate the effects of 8 weeks of upper limb somatosensory discrimination therapy compared to an equal dose of motor therapy on sensorimotor outcomes in children and adolescents with spastic unilateral cerebral palsy aged 7 to 15 years old. Additionally, the potential role of clinical and neurological baseline characteristics on treatment response will be explored, including the extent of the brain lesion, age and baseline somatosensory function. The researchers primarily expect that the bimanual performance will improve equally in children and adolescents from both intervention groups, as measured immediately after the intervention has ended. The researchers hypothesize, however, that there will be a better retention effect in children and adolescents that received somatosensory discrimination therapy, resulting in differences between both groups in bimanual performance as measured at 6-months follow-up. The researchers further expect larger improvements in somatosensory function for children and adolescents in the somatosensory discrimination group and this both immediately after the intervention and at 6-month follow-up.

the effectiveness of task - oriented training with pretend play on gross motor function, functional capacity and cognitive function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

The purpose of this study is to examine the underlying mechanisms that contribute to high energy costs for people with cerebral palsy (CP) as they walk. The investigators will characterize the cost landscape of children with CP, quantifying the magnitude of cost (net nondimensional oxygen consumption) associated with walking and common sub-tasks of walking, such as supporting and stabilizing the body.

The research is towards an advanced control and computer learning strategy that will intelligently drive a powered walker for people with walking disabilities. The aim of the control strategy is to provide powered assistance that optimally reduces the metabolic cost of walking. The goal of the proposed intelligent walker is to reduce the workload of walking, keeping this population walking longer, providing critical exercise, continued muscle development and improved quality of life.

A new rehabilitative approach, called AOT, based on the discovery of mirror neuron system (MNS), has been used with promising results on the Upper Limb (UL) function in some studies in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). The purpose of the present trial is to provide evidence by an RCT, preceded by a pilot study, that customized and home based AOT training is an effective rehabilitation tool in children with diplegic CP (DCP) and that its effects are greater than standard care. Both Hands Assessment (BoHA) is chosen as primary outcome measure and a sample size of 27 per group is required. The rehabilitation lasting 8 weeks will be provided at home by an ICT platform able to deliver, manage, monitor and measure a personalized AOT.

Cerebral palsy (CP), which occurs as a consequence of brain damage, has multiple deficits such as a global reduction of motor cortical activity during movement execution and inadequate processing of corticospinal and somatosensory circuits. Global registers estimate that it occurs in two to three of 1.000 live births, and spasticity is the most common disorder, occurring in 80% of children with CP. Spasticity might affect both upper and lower limbs, resulting in other deficits in joint mobility, postural reactions, selective motor control, balance, and gait. This set of impairments and deficits may lead to limitations in functional ability and autonomy in the performance of daily living activities, physical fitness, quality of life, and/or ability to participate in games and sports activities compared to neurotypical peers of the same age. Walking is considered one of the most important activities in daily life, as it is essential for activities of daily living and social participation. Children with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I, II, and III show potential for walking, and around 75% of CP children are ambulatory. However, abnormalities in neural control and muscle weakness contribute to several gait characteristics such as slow velocity, decreased stride length, increased stance phase percentage, and increased peak ankle dorsiflexion and knee flexion, and peak hip extension moments. Consequently, this gait pattern contributes to postural instability and increased fall risk in children with CP, among others.