Load Modulation for Cerebral Palsy
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial examines how children with cerebral palsy move their legs during stepping tasks. The researchers are testing whether altering body weight affects movement. Children aged 5 to 19 with bilateral cerebral palsy, where the legs are more affected than the arms, and who can step up independently, may be suitable candidates. Participants will either wear a weighted vest or use a special harness to adjust their body weight, a process known as Load Modulation. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to understanding movement in cerebral palsy, potentially enhancing future therapies.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that load modulation is safe for children with cerebral palsy?
Research shows that adjusting body weight with a vest or harness is under study to help children with cerebral palsy walk better. Past studies have tested this method with weight changes up to 15% of a child's body weight, and no major safety issues have emerged.
For instance, some research demonstrated that adding 1 to 3 kilograms of weight to a vest is safe for children with cerebral palsy. This method improves their walking without causing harm. While researchers continue to study this treatment, its use in clinical trials indicates it is considered safe enough for testing with participants.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about load modulation for cerebral palsy because it offers a novel approach to therapy. Unlike traditional treatments that often involve medication or physical therapy to improve motor function, load modulation uses a weighted vest or an overhead harness to adjust body weight. This technique enables participants to experience varying weight conditions, which could lead to better movement control and muscle strength. By directly manipulating body load, researchers hope to uncover new insights into motor function improvement and potentially develop more effective rehabilitation strategies for cerebral palsy.
What evidence suggests that load modulation is effective for cerebral palsy?
This trial will explore load modulation as a treatment for cerebral palsy, where participants will experience different body weight loading conditions. Research has shown that altering the weight or resistance experienced by children with cerebral palsy can be beneficial. In one study, children adjusted to varying levels of resistance, which helped them take longer steps once the resistance was removed, indicating improved movement ability. Another study found that using tools like weighted vests or harnesses to change body weight during activities affected the movement of their hips, knees, and ankles. These findings suggest that adjusting weight or resistance might enhance walking and mobility.25678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for children and teenagers aged 5 to 19 who can step up independently, with or without help from devices. It's specifically for those with bilateral cerebral palsy where legs are more affected than arms, but also includes typically developing individuals without movement-affecting conditions.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants undergo baseline assessment of muscle activations and joint biomechanics during stepping tasks
Stepping Task
Participants perform multiple step-ups and step-downs on a raised platform under different loading conditions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for any changes in muscle activations and joint biomechanics post-intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Load Modulation
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Northwestern University
Lead Sponsor