Effects of tDCS in Cortical Plasticity and Motor Learning in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 5
- Locations
- 2
- Primary Endpoint
- Changes in motor assessments
Study Overview
Brief Summary
In this study, the investigators aim to assess the clinical and neurophysiological effects of a non-invasive brain stimulation technique - transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)- on cortical plasticity and motor learning in children with cerebral palsy. Investigators will use different assessment techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and kinematics (sensors) to measure changes through the trial.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Na
- Intervention Model
- Single Group
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 8 Years to 18 Years (Child, Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •Age of participants must be between 8 and 18 years old.
- •Diagnosis of spastic or mixed CP with distribution of diplegia and/or hemiplegia form.
- •Gross Motor Function Classification System for Cerebral Palsy (GMFCS) level II and III.
- •Manual Ability Classification System for Children with CP (MACS) level II up to IV.
- •Ability to cooperate and follow directions.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Muscle tone reduction therapy in the past 3 months prior to study onset.
- •Upper limb orthopedic surgery in the past 3 months prior to study onset.
- •Any other form of therapy or procedure involving motor neuron junction inhibition; either by biochemical and/or mechanical denervation, in the past 3 months prior to study onset.
- •History of convulsive disorder in the past 2 years prior to study onset.
- •Current use of carbamazepine as anticonvulsive therapy.
- •Presence ventriculoperitoneal shunt.
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Changes in motor assessments
Time Frame: Approximately 2 weeks
Investigators will measure changes in kinematic (sensor) assessments from baseline to follow-up. The sensor will collect Inertial Measurements Units (IMU) and complex motion sensing, as measured by accelerometer/gyroscope/magnetometer of freedom motion capture.
Secondary Outcomes
- Changes in TMS measurements(Approximately 2 weeks)
Investigators
Felipe Fregni
Principal Investigator
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital