tDCS + CIMT for Cerebral Palsy

Overseen by Yanlong Song, PhD

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study aims to test if transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can be applied to boost the efficacy of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) in children with HCP and examine brain mechanisms related to individual outcomes.

Research Team

Yanlong Song, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for children with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy (HCP), a condition affecting one side of the body. Participants should be able to follow instructions and attend multiple therapy sessions. Children with metal in their head, skin conditions on the scalp, seizures, or those who can't tolerate having their stronger arm restrained are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

I can understand and follow study instructions.

I am between 5 and 17 years old.

I have been diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Exclusion Criteria

I had surgery on my arm or shoulder less than a year ago.

I am older than 17 and younger than 5 years old.

I have had brain or nerve surgery, or I have a genetic or other neurological disorder.

Treatment Details

Interventions

• tDCS (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial Overview The study is testing whether tDCS (a non-invasive brain stimulation technique) can improve how well constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) works for improving motor skills in kids with HCP. Some will receive real tDCS while others get a sham treatment as part of the research design.

Participant Groups

Group I: tDCS+CIMT Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants will receive concurrent anodal tDCS (20 minutes, 1mA\~2mA) and CIMT (2 hours) five days a week for three weeks in a row.

Group II: sham+CIMT Placebo Group 2 Interventions

Participants will receive concurrent sham tDCS and CIMT (2 hours) five days a week for three weeks in a row.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,102

Recruited

1,077,000+

Daniel K. Podolsky

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Chief Executive Officer since 2008

MD from Harvard Medical School

Robert L. Bass

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Chief Medical Officer since 2019

MD from University of Texas Southwestern Medical School

Children's Health

Collaborator

Trials

8

Recruited

460+