Study of Muscle Growth and Changes in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy Using 3D Ultrasound Examining Muscle Development and Brain Lesion Effects in Children Aged 6 Months to 9 Years

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how muscle growth changes over time in children with spastic cerebral palsy SCP. The study aims to describe how muscles develop as children age and to understand how muscle changes relate to brain injuries, neuromuscular problems, and treatments. This research uses 3D freehand ultrasound to look at muscle structure and compares children with SCP to typically developing children, focusing on two lower limb muscles. The study includes two parts One follows children aged 2 to 9 years over two years with yearly check-ins, comparing muscle changes across different age groups and severity levels. The second part tracks younger children with brain injuries over two years with five check-ins every six months, relating muscle changes to brain lesion characteristics based on MRI scans. Participants include children with congenital SCP, acquired brain injury, and typically developing peers. Participants undergo muscle ultrasound measurements and provide medical records including brain MRI, treatment details, physical exams, and motor development tests. Researchers measure muscle volume, length, echo-intensity, joint motion, spasticity, strength, and motor skills over two years. Data collection occurs during hospital visits and rehabilitation center appointments, aiming to improve understanding of muscle development and support tailored treatment for children with SCP.

Evaluation of Macroscopic Muscle Growth in Infants and Young Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy