Actively Recruiting
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for the Treatment of Spasticity in Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy Due to Acquired Brain Injury - a Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by The University of Hong Kong · Updated on 2026-04-02
20
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
13 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on children aged 7 to 18 years with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, focusing on reducing upper limb spasticity. This trial compares active rTMS with a sham procedure to see if rTMS followed by intensive limb training can improve muscle control and function. The study also explores brain changes using MRI and TMS techniques to understand how these treatments might work. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The intervention group receives 1 Hz active rTMS for 20 minutes, followed by 30 minutes of intensive training of the impaired limb. The control group receives a sham rTMS treatment for the same 20 minutes, also followed by 30 minutes of intensive limb training. Both groups undergo treatment sessions over 10 days. During the study, children will have MRI scans before and after treatment to investigate brain changes. Researchers will assess spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale and range of motion scores at day 10, day 17, and two months after intervention. Additional measures include functional scales, quality of life assessments, and motor function tests. The study lasts for several months, with follow-up visits to monitor long-term effects.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
rTMS Treatment of Spasticity in Children With Cerebral Palsy/ Hemiplegia Due to ABI - a RCT
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Patients aged between 7 years and 18 years
- Diagnosis of cerebral palsy with hemiplegia
- Upper limb spasticity of 1 or higher
- IQ of 50 or higher
You will not qualify if you...
- Any contraindications to rTMS
- Severe spasticity with a score of 4 or more on the Ashworth scale
- Uncontrollable epilepsy
- History of Botulinum toxin A injection in the previous 6 months
- Upper limb casting in the previous 6 months
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 - 17 days
Participants receive 1 Hz active or sham repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for 20 minutes followed by 30 minutes of intensive limb training to improve spasticity.
Daily visits for 17 days
Duration - 2 months
Participants are monitored to assess if improvements in spasticity and motor function are sustained after treatment.
1 visit at 2 months post treatment
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 0000
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
W
Winnie Wan Yee Tso, MBBS
C
Chai Yin Charlie Fan, MPhil, OTR
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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