Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Cerebral Palsy
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This project examines the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a therapeutic approach to improve motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). By applying 6-Hz primed low and high-frequency rTMS and measuring brain responses through TMS-EEG, the study aims to enhance neural plasticity and motor recovery. The goal is to promote faster rehabilitation and reduce long-term healthcare needs.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Christos Papadelis, PhD
Principal Investigator
Cook Children's Health Care System
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeting motor cortex over 10 sessions, each lasting 20 minutes, spread over four weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including assessments of TMS-evoked potentials and motor function
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
How Is the Trial Designed?
4
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Placebo Group
CP Participants in experiment intervention group 2 will receive rTMS targeting the ipsilesional primary motor cortex. The intervention will consist of 10 sessions, each lasting 20 minutes, spread over four weeks. Each session will start with priming: 10 minutes of 6-Hz rTMS at 90% of the resting motor threshold, delivered in two trains per minute (5 seconds per train with 25-second intervals between trains), totaling 600 priming pulses. This will be followed immediately by 10 minutes of 10 Hz rTMS at 90% of the resting motor threshold, delivered continuously without interruption, totaling 2000 high-frequency pulses.
CP participants in the experiment intervention group 1 will receive rTMS using a figure-of-eight-shaped coil and rTMS stimulator (Nexstim, Finland) targeting the contralesional primary motor cortex. The intervention will consist of 10 sessions, each lasting 20 minutes, spread over four weeks. Each session will begin with priming: 10 minutes of 6-Hz rTMS at 90% of the resting motor threshold, delivered in two trains per minute (5 seconds per train with 25-second intervals between trains), totaling 600 priming pulses. This will be followed immediately by 10 minutes of 1-Hz rTMS at 90% of the resting motor threshold, delivered continuously without interruption, totaling 600 low-frequency pulses.
Typically developed control group will complete a single baseline TMS-EEG session to measure TEPs. This involves high-density EEG recording during single-pulse TMS to assess cortical excitability. The session will last approximately 60-90 minutes.
CP participants in the sham group will receive sham rTMS by positioning the coil perpendicular to the scalp without delivering active stimulation, targeting both the contralesional and ipsilesional primary motor cortex. The intervention will consist of 10 sessions, each lasting 20 minutes, spread over four weeks.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Cook Children's Health Care System
Lead Sponsor
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