Functional Electrical Stimulation for Cerebral Palsy

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Physical rehabilitation interventions that promote activity-dependent neuroplasticity are desired for children with CP as this will result in improved motor skill and function. In adult neurological populations, such as stroke and spinal cord injury, FES is a recommended, evidence-based intervention that addresses motor and sensory impairments and promotes neuroplasticity. The evidence base supporting the safety, feasibility and efficacy of FES for youth with CP is rapidly growing, yet FES is not commonly used in Canadian pediatric rehabilitation. Through interviews with Canadian pediatric physical and occupational therapists, we identified numerous barriers to FES implementation, including a lack of knowledge and training in FES, difficulty accessing FES equipment, and a perceived lack of time to deliver FES within a treatment session. To address these barriers, we have developed an implementation intervention for FES that consists of an online course and toolkit for physical and occupational therapists. As a next step, we will evaluate the effects of the implementation intervention on pediatric therapists' knowledge, confidence and use of FES.

Research Team

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for pediatric physical and occupational therapists who are looking to improve their knowledge, confidence, and use of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) in treating children with Cerebral Palsy. There's no specific mention of inclusion or exclusion criteria for participants.

Inclusion Criteria

I can attend a six-week online course from Oct 18 to Nov 28, 2024.

Licensed to practice physical or occupational therapy in Canada

Reports that CP comprises ≥20% of their caseload over the past year

Treatment Details

Interventions

• FES Implementation (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial Overview The study is testing an online course and toolkit designed as an implementation intervention to help therapists incorporate FES into their practice. The goal is to see if this training can overcome barriers like lack of knowledge and access to equipment.

Participant Groups

Group I: Implementation Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University Health Network, Toronto

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,555

Recruited

526,000+

Dr. Brad Wouters

University Health Network, Toronto

Chief Medical Officer since 2020

MD from University of Toronto

Dr. Kevin Smith

University Health Network, Toronto

Chief Executive Officer since 2018

Professor at McMaster University and University of Toronto