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Using Neurotechology to Help Children With Physical Disability Due to Cerebral Palsy

NCT07269353 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 8

Last updated 2026-02-09

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Hemiparetic cerebral palsy is a condition in which one side of a child's body becomes weak due to brain injury occurring around birth, often caused by stroke. Weakness on the affected side reduces the ability to use the involved hand and arm, limiting everyday activities such as dressing, eating, and playing. Few effective treatments currently exist, especially for children with severe weakness.

The study described here examines a new therapy that combines Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology with Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). BCI technology uses brain signals to control external devices; in this therapy, brain signals activate muscles through electrical stimulation. When a child imagines wrist movement, the system detects the associated brain activity and delivers electrical stimulation to generate actual movement. Such paired activity supports neural rewiring and strengthens connections between the brain and muscles, leading to improved arm function.

Previous research demonstrates strong benefits of BCI-FES for adults after stroke, but minimal testing has been conducted with children. The current study will evaluate whether BCI-FES improves arm and hand function in children aged 12 to 17 with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.

Participants will complete 15 to 20 sessions over a two-month period while wearing a cap that records brain signals. During each session, the system provides muscle stimulation and visual feedback through animated hand movements. Outcome measures will include performance of daily tasks, hand dexterity, muscle activity, and the presence of any adverse effects.

The overarching goal is to create a fun, engaging, and effective therapy that supports recovery of hand use and greater independence. Successful results could guide larger studies and inspire new technology-based treatments that enhance quality of life for children with cerebral palsy.

Conditions

  • Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy

Interventions

DEVICE

Brain Computer Interface - Functional Electrical Stimulations

This intervention combines EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI) technology with functional electrical stimulation (FES), allowing participants to control muscle activation using their brain signals. Unlike traditional FES or passive rehabilitation methods, this approach actively engages the user's intent, potentially enhancing neuroplasticity and motor recovery.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Alberta Health services

    collaborator OTHER

  • University of Alberta

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age
12 Years
Max Age
17 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-02-05
Primary Completion
2027-10-01
Completion
2027-10-01

Countries

  • Canada

Study Locations

More Related Trials

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 NCT07269353 on ClinicalTrials.gov