Physical Therapy for Cerebral Palsy in Infants
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests an intensive in-home program designed to help infants with or at high risk of cerebral palsy improve their ability to stand and walk. Researchers aim to determine if this program is practical and beneficial for these infants. The trial includes a 16-week intervention where infants practice standing and walking at home while continuing any other treatments recommended by their healthcare providers. Infants diagnosed with cerebral palsy or with specific brain imaging results indicating high risk are suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased study, this trial offers infants a unique opportunity to potentially benefit from early intervention and contribute to valuable research.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this intervention is safe for infants with cerebral palsy?
Research shows that home-based standing and walking exercises for infants with cerebral palsy are generally safe. Studies have found that young children with cerebral palsy and other conditions can handle these exercise programs well. Similar programs have reported no major negative effects.
For example, one study examined a structured exercise program for children with cerebral palsy and found it safe and doable. Another study tested a standing program for children with a different condition and found no major safety issues.
These findings suggest that the in-home standing and walking exercises in this trial are likely safe. However, since every child is different, close monitoring during any new activity is important.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the in-home standing and walking intervention for infants with cerebral palsy because it offers a unique, naturalistic approach by integrating therapy into the child's everyday environment. Unlike traditional physical therapy that often requires visits to clinical settings, this method allows infants to receive therapy in the comfort of their own homes, potentially increasing convenience and consistency. Additionally, this intervention is designed to work alongside existing community-recommended therapies, aiming to enhance overall developmental outcomes in a more holistic way.
What evidence suggests that this in-home standing and walking intervention is effective for cerebral palsy in infants?
Research shows that home-based therapies can benefit infants with cerebral palsy. One study found that setting specific goals for home training improved infants' movement and function. Another study showed that structured home exercises helped infants walk farther and faster, enhancing their movement scores. Additionally, exercises involving varied standing positions improved children's quality of life over four months. These findings suggest that the in-home standing and walking intervention tested in this trial can enhance movement and overall function in infants with or at high risk of cerebral palsy.46789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Barbara Sargent, PhD, PT
Principal Investigator
University of Southern California, Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for infants diagnosed with cerebral palsy or those at high risk, indicated by brain imaging and specific neurological exam scores. Infants must be able to see toys and respond to sounds, weigh under 50 lbs, and live in an area accessible for home visits.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline
8-weeks no intervention baseline period to assess initial conditions
Intervention
16-week in-home standing and walking intervention with body-weight support
Follow-up
8-weeks no intervention follow-up to monitor post-intervention effects
Long-term follow-up
Outcomes measured at 2 years of age to assess long-term effects
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- In-home standing and walking intervention
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Southern California
Lead Sponsor
California Physical Therapy Association
Collaborator
Cerebral Palsy Foundation
Collaborator