RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07516067

Spinal Cord Stimulation for Children With Cerebral Palsy

Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation to Treat Spasticity in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Sponsor

Martin Piazza

Enrollment

30 participants

Start Date

Mar 30, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy Spasticity

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to help understand spinal cord excitability in children with cerebral palsy compared to neurologically typical children. The main questions it aims to answer are: * What are the mechanisms of spinal circuit hyperexcitability in CP? * Can transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation reduce spinal circuit hyperexcitability? Participants with cerebral palsy will be asked to complete: * Movement and strength exercises * Mild, non-invasive stimulation on the back and legs that feels like a light tap. * Gentle, non-invasive tests that help us see how the brain and the spinal cord communicate with the muscles

Eligibility

Min Age: 5 YearsMax Age: 17 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying a medical device called Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (tSCS) for people with cerebral palsy and spasticity. The study is currently recruiting participants at 1 location.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DEVICETranscutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (tSCS)

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) will be administered using the Digitimer DS8R Biphasic Constant Current Stimulator, an external isolated stimulator system used in human research. The DS8R delivers controlled electrical pulses with adjustable stimulation parameters. tSCS will be delivered at frequencies between 30-50 Hz with 1 ms pulse width and a biphasic waveform. Self-adhesive surface electrodes will be positioned longitudinally over the thoracolumbar region at T11-L1 (cathodes) and over the iliac crests (anodes). In children with cerebral palsy, electrophysiological and clinical assessments will be conducted before, during, and after stimulation to evaluate changes in spinal excitability, spasticity, and motor function. Stimulation is administered during supervised study visits.