Bethesda, MDNCT06498596Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Cerebral Palsy Clinical Trial in Bethesda, MD

Access cutting-edge cerebral palsy treatment through this clinical trial at a research site in Bethesda. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)

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Expert Care in Bethesda

Access cerebral palsy specialists at no cost

IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related cerebral palsy treatment provided free

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Check if you qualify for this cerebral palsy clinical trial in Bethesda, MD

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Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Bethesda

    Convenient for MD residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit Bethesda site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Cerebral Palsy Study in Bethesda

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.

Sponsor: National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet criteria 1-4 and 5a as given below. If they also meet 5b, 5c or 6, they will perform the tasks related to the respective joint(s) for which criteria are met, and/or walking.:
Provision of signed and dated separate informed consent and assent forms for screening purposes. Upon inclusion in the protocol, provision of signed and dated informed consent and assent forms to begin participation in the study will be necessary.
Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study, or alternatively, ability to do so based on parent report and physician observation during history and physical examination.
Age 5 to 25 years old.
Group A: Have a gait pathology arising from a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Group B: Healthy volunteers who are age and sex matched to individuals recruited in Group A.
Sufficient range of motion to perform the target acquisition task, specifically:
Knee joint range of motion of at least 50 degrees in the sagittal plane (knee extension/flexion) assessed with hip extended in supine position. Limited hamstring flexibility as assessed by straight leg raising test does not limit ability to participate in the study.
Ankle joint range of motion of at least 40 degrees in the sagittal plane (dorsiplantar- flexion) with the foot in neutral alignment.
Wrist joint range of motion of at least 50 degrees in the frontal plane (wrist extension/flexion) assessed with hip extended in standing position.
Able to walk at least 1 minute on a treadmill without stopping with or without holding onto side or front support rails. This assessment will be completed by the physician during the medical history and physical exam.

Exclusion Criteria

An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
Any neurological, musculoskeletal or cardiorespiratory injury, health condition, or diagnosis other than cerebral palsy that would affect the ability to move the required joints through the necessary range of motion or walk as directed on a treadmill.
A history of multiple seizures that have occurred in the past year that are not controlled by medication.

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Bethesda?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT06498596) has an active research site in Bethesda, MD that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Cerebral Palsy Treatment Options in Bethesda, MD

If you're searching for cerebral palsy treatment options in Bethesda, MD, this clinical trial (NCT06498596) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Bethesda research site is actively enrolling participants for this clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced cerebral palsy specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all cerebral palsy clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

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