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Brain Control of Movements in Cerebral Palsy

NCT00076596 · Status: COMPLETED · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 130

Last updated 2017-07-02

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study will examine how the brain controls movements in patients with certain types of cerebral palsy. In healthy people, one side of the body usually controls movements on the other side of the body. In patients with cerebral palsy, this pattern may be altered, and one side of the brain may control movements on the same side of the body. Information obtained from this study may lead to improved rehabilitation therapy strategies for patients with cerebral palsy.

Healthy volunteers and patients with cerebral palsy between 6 and 18 years of age may be eligible for this study. All candidates will be screened with a medical history, physical examination, and psychological testing. In addition, patients with cerebral palsy will have hearing and vision tests, a review of their medical records, and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan if one has not been done within the past year. For this test, the patient lies on a table that slides into a narrow metal cylinder with a strong magnetic field (the scanner). The scanning time usually lasts between 45 and 90 minutes.

Patients enrolled in the study also will be evaluated by a physiatrist and physical and occupational therapists. They will be examined for muscle stiffness and reflexes. Their gait and movements (e.g., how they pick up a glass of water) will be evaluated. They will be asked about their ability to perform activities around the house and at school and whether a wheelchair or walker is needed to get around. Patients may also be asked about how they are dealing with their movement problems and how it affects their caregivers.

All participants will undergo three tests, described below, to evaluate movement control. The first two tests use electrodes (small metal discs) taped to the skin over the muscles in both hands to measure muscle activity. A small disc placed on the fingers detects and measures the hand movements. The third test uses magnetic pulses that stimulate the brain to study how the brain controls movements.

1. Quantitative test of fine motor function: For this test, the subject taps buttons at different speeds on a box attached to a computer. The test is similar to playing simple computer games.
2. Long latency reflexes: For this test, the subject's hand is lightly strapped into a holder that holds the hand still while a motor moves the index finger with sudden small movements. These reflexes may also be tested using a gentle shock to the finger delivered through a ring electrode.
3. Transcranial magnetic stimulation: For this test, the subject sits in a comfortable chair. An insulated coil is held on the scalp. A magnetic pulse from the coil stimulates the brain. The subject may hear a click and feel a snap or pulling sensation on the scalp under the coil. The stimulation may also cause twitching in the muscles of the arm or leg. During the stimulation, the subject may be asked to move certain muscles or perform other simple actions.

Conditions

  • Cerebral Palsy

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

    lead NIH

Eligibility

Min Age
6 Years
Max Age
30 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2004-01-23
Completion
2007-12-10

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT00076596 on ClinicalTrials.gov