~10 spots leftby Apr 2026

Stimulation for Perinatal Stroke Optimizing Recovery Trajectories

(SPORT Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
AK
Overseen byAdam Kirton, MD
Age: < 65
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Phase 2 & 3
Waitlist Available
Sponsor: University of Calgary
No Placebo Group
Prior Safety Data

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Perinatal stroke causes lifelong neurological disability and most hemiparetic cerebral palsy (CP). With morbidity spanning diverse aspects of a child's life and lasting for decades, global impact is large, including 10000 Canadian children. With pathophysiology poorly understood and prevention strategies non-existent, the burden of hemiparetic CP will persist. Limited treatments lead to loss of hope for children and families, necessitating exploration of new therapies. The investigators have evidence that the investigators have a durable new treatment for perinatal stroke, combining non-invasive neurostimulation and child-centred intensive rehabilitation. Via the CHILD-BRIGHT SPOR national network, the investigators will execute a multicentre trial to prove this treatment can improve function in children with perinatal stroke and hemiparetic CP. Using novel advanced technologies not available elsewhere in the world, the investigators will explore how developmental plasticity determines function and response to neuromodulation therapy. This patient oriented effort will advance personalized, precision medicine in pediatric neurorehabilitation to improve outcomes for disabled children and their families.

Research Team

AK

Adam Kirton, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Calgary

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

Clinical and MRI confirmed perinatal ischemic stroke (NAIS, APPIS, PVI)
Symptomatic hemiparetic CP including parent/child perceived limitations in function
Able to briefly lift light object off a surface (estimated House class 3-6).
See 1 more

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (Neuromodulation Therapy)
  • Sham transcranial direct current stimulation (Neuromodulation Therapy)
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Group I: Cathodal Transcranial direct current stimulationExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Cathodal tDCS
Group II: Sham Transcranial direct current stimulationPlacebo Group1 Intervention
Sham

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Calgary

Lead Sponsor

Trials
827
Recruited
902,000+
Dr. Shweta Patel profile image

Dr. Shweta Patel

University of Calgary

Chief Medical Officer since 2020

MD from the University of Baroda Medical College, India

Dr. Edward McCauley profile image

Dr. Edward McCauley

University of Calgary

President and Vice-Chancellor since 2018

PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara

University of Alberta

Collaborator

Trials
957
Recruited
437,000+
Bill Flanagan profile image

Bill Flanagan

University of Alberta

Chief Executive Officer since 2020

LLB from University of Toronto, LLM from Columbia University

Dr. Verna Yiu profile image

Dr. Verna Yiu

University of Alberta

Chief Medical Officer since 2012

MD from University of Alberta, Fellowship in Pediatric Nephrology at Harvard University

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Collaborator

Trials
69
Recruited
14,100+

Julia Hanigsberg

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Chief Executive Officer since 2015

Law degrees from McGill University and Columbia Law School

Dr. Golda Milo-Manson

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Chief Medical Officer since 2010

MD from University of Toronto

The Hospital for Sick Children

Collaborator

Trials
724
Recruited
6,969,000+
Dr. Ronald D. Cohn profile image

Dr. Ronald D. Cohn

The Hospital for Sick Children

Chief Executive Officer since 2019

MD from University of Düsseldorf, Germany

Dr. Lennox Huang profile image

Dr. Lennox Huang

The Hospital for Sick Children

Chief Medical Officer since 2016

MD from McGill University