Investigating New Methods to Study Movement in Children and Young Adults With Movement Disorders.
Recruiting now
Conditions studied: Cerebral Palsy
In brief
Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disorder that affects children. People with CP have weak muscles; they may have trouble controlling the movements of their arms and legs. Researchers have been developing braces called robotic exoskeletons for people with CP. These devices can adapt to the person s movements and help them move better. This natural history study will explore new technologies that may tell us more about how people with CP move and improve how these exoskeletons work. Objective: To test new technologies to measure people s movements and brain function while they move with and without a robotic exoskeleton. Eligibility: People aged 5 to 25 years with CP. Healthy volunteers are also needed. Design: Participants will have 3 to 5 clinic visits in 2 months. Participants will be fitted with an exoskeleton that will be worn on one of their legs. At each visit, participants will be asked to move their wrist, ankle, and knee while the following measurements are taken: Ultrasound. A bar will be placed against the skin. It will send soundwaves into the body to take pictures of the muscles. Electroencephalography (EEG). Participants will wear a cap with sensors. Their brain waves will be recorded. Electromyography (EMG). Small metal discs will be taped to the skin. They will measure electrical activity of muscle. Participants will flex and extend each joint (wrist, ankle, or knee) on one side of their body. These movements will be done on their own and while assisted by two devices: Functional electrical stimulation (FES). Small adhesive pads will be placed on the skin and electric. Pulses will stimulate muscles to help move the limb. This will be done for the wrist, ankle and knee. Robotic Exoskeleton. A leg brace will be placed on one limb with a motor that will help move the knee. The exoskeleton can be used with or without FES. Participants will also walk on a treadmill at their own pace. Photographs and videos will record how they move.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT06498596
- Run by
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)
- People needed
- 30
- Starts
- 2025-02-20
- Expected to finish
- 2027-12-31
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-06-23
Who can join
Age: 5 and older, up to 25. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.
You may not qualify if…
- An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
- Any neurological, musculoskeletal or cardiorespiratory injury, health condition, or diagnosis other than cerebral palsy that would affect the ability to move the required joints through the necessary range of motion or walk as directed on a treadmill.
- A history of multiple seizures that have occurred in the past year that are not controlled by medication.
- Pregnancy.
Where it is running
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center — Bethesda, Maryland, United States (enrolling)
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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