Actively Recruiting
The Effect of the Ankle-foot Orthosis on Muscle Activity in the Lower Limbs in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Led by Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · Updated on 2026-02-12
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) often have altered walking patterns due to their condition. This research aims to study how ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), devices commonly prescribed to improve walking, affect muscle activity in the lower legs of these children during walking. The study focuses on understanding the timing and strength of muscle activity as well as the coordination between muscles. During the study, children will undergo a clinical exam followed by a detailed walking analysis using 3D gait analysis both on the ground and on a treadmill. These tests will measure muscle activity using EMG, as well as movements and forces involved in walking. The study includes ambulatory children aged 6 to 17 years with spastic CP who have been prescribed AFOs as part of their usual care. Participants will be observed during a single measurement session lasting about 150 minutes. Researchers will collect data on muscle activity patterns, including muscle activation timing and co-activation of muscles in the legs. This information will help understand how AFOs influence muscle use in walking. The study will also monitor walking mechanics and muscle function during the tests to evaluate the effects of AFOs comprehensively.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
The Effect of AFOs on the EMG of Children With CP
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Children aged 6 to 17 years
- Diagnosed with cerebral palsy (bilateral or unilateral)
- Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I to III
- Prescribed ankle-foot orthoses by their medical team as part of standard care
You will not qualify if you...
- Severe contractures or spasticity preventing use of a conventional ankle-foot orthosis
- Cognitive or visual impairments that prevent understanding of instructions
- Surgery on leg bones or muscles within the last 12 months
- Presence of ataxia or dystonia
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants undergo a standard clinical examination and clinical overground three-dimensional gait analysis (3DGA) as part of routine clinical follow-up, extended with additional 3DGA on the treadmill to collect kinematic, kinetic, and EMG data.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Ongoing as part of standard care
Participants who undergo routine care with prescribed ankle-foot orthoses are observed to assess muscle activity during walking.
No additional visits beyond routine care
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
UZ Leuven
Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium, 3000
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
L
Laure Everaert
T
Tijl Dewit
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
1
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