Actively Recruiting
Investigating New Methods to Study Movement in Children and Young Adults With Movement Disorders.
Led by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · Updated on 2026-04-21
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
149 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disorder that affects children. People with CP have weak muscles; they may have trouble controlling the movements of their arms and legs. Researchers have been developing braces called robotic exoskeletons for people with CP. These devices can adapt to the person s movements and help them move better. This natural history study will explore new technologies that may tell us more about how people with CP move and improve how these exoskeletons work. Objective: To test new technologies to measure people s movements and brain function while they move with and without a robotic exoskeleton. Eligibility: People aged 5 to 25 years with CP. Healthy volunteers are also needed. Design: Participants will have 3 to 5 clinic visits in 2 months. Participants will be fitted with an exoskeleton that will be worn on one of their legs. At each visit, participants will be asked to move their wrist, ankle, and knee while the following measurements are taken: Ultrasound. A bar will be placed against the skin. It will send soundwaves into the body to take pictures of the muscles. Electroencephalography (EEG). Participants will wear a cap with sensors. Their brain waves will be recorded. Electromyography (EMG). Small metal discs will be taped to the skin. They will measure electrical activity of muscle. Participants will flex and extend each joint (wrist, ankle, or knee) on one side of their body. These movements will be done on their own and while assisted by two devices: Functional electrical stimulation (FES). Small adhesive pads will be placed on the skin and electric. Pulses will stimulate muscles to help move the limb. This will be done for the wrist, ankle and knee. Robotic Exoskeleton. A leg brace will be placed on one limb with a motor that will help move the knee. The exoskeleton can be used with or without FES. Participants will also walk on a treadmill at their own pace. Photographs and videos will record how they move.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Investigating New Methods to Study Movement in Children and Young Adults With Movement Disorders.
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Signed informed consent and assent forms for screening and participation
- Willingness and ability to comply with all study procedures and be available for the study duration
- Age between 5 and 25 years old
- Diagnosis of cerebral palsy with gait pathology or healthy volunteers matched by age and sex
- Sufficient joint range of motion: at least 50 degrees knee flexion/extension, 40 degrees ankle dorsiplantar flexion, 50 degrees wrist extension/flexion
- Ability to walk on a treadmill for at least 1 minute with or without support
You will not qualify if you...
- Neurological, musculoskeletal, or cardiorespiratory conditions other than cerebral palsy affecting walking ability with the exoskeleton
- History of multiple seizures in the past year not controlled by medication
- Pregnancy
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jesse H Matsubara
CONTACT
T
Thomas C Bulea, Ph.D.
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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