Mechanical Intervention in Children With Cerebral Palsy

The extent of bone mass built up during childhood and adolescence is the most important determinant of osteoporosis later in life. Some disabled children, such as those with cerebral palsy, are particularly vulnerable to low bone mass accumulation due to decreased mobility and weight-bearing. These children also have poor muscle strength and control, which limits function and contributes to the lack of mechanical stimulation needed to build bone mass. The most common treatment for these children is physical therapy, which is time- and labor-intensive and may not be adequately available to them. Whole body vibration has shown promise as an alternative method for stimulating increases in bone mass and improvements in muscle. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of high frequency, low magnitude vibration on bone and muscle in children with cerebral palsy. This intervention may be useful as a noninvasive, nonpharmacological treatment for low bone mass and poor muscle function in these children.

This study will last 1 year. All participants will visit the hospital 3 times, at study entry and Months 6 and 12. At each visit, height and weight will be measured, muscle strength and balance will be tested, and bones and muscles in the spine and lower leg will be imaged with computed tomography (CT), a special x-ray machine. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. For this study, all participants will be asked to stand for 10 minutes every day for 1 year. For Group 1, a vibrating platform will be used for the 10-minute standing sessions during the first half of the study but not during the second half of the study. For Group 2, this will be reversed and the vibrating platform will not be used during the first half of the study but will be used during the second half of the study.