RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Using Neurotechology to Help Children With Physical Disability Due to Cerebral Palsy

This research explores a new treatment for children aged 12 to 17 with a type of cerebral palsy called hemiparetic cerebral palsy, where one side of the body is weaker. The study uses special technology that combines brain signals (Brain-Computer Interface) with small electrical pulses (Functional Electrical Stimulation). When a child imagines moving their wrist, the system detects this brain activity and then gently stimulates the muscles to make the movement happen. This helps the brain and muscles 're-learn' and strengthen their connection, hopefully leading to better arm and hand control. The goal is to create a fun and effective way to help these children become more independent in everyday tasks like dressing or eating. This approach has shown promise in adults, and this study aims to see if it works well for young people too.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Alberta

Enrolment target

Start

05 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2027

Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy

What is this study about?

Imagine your brain sending a message to your hand to pick up a cup. For children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy, this connection can be hard because of a brain injury, often from around birth. This can make one side of their body weaker, especially their arm and hand, making everyday things like playing or getting dressed much more difficult. Current treatments don't always fully help, particularly for those with significant weakness.

This study is looking at an exciting new therapy that uses a special combination of technology. It involves a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) and Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). Think of BCI as a clever system that can 'read' your brain signals. When a child thinks about moving their wrist, the BCI system detects this thought. Then, FES delivers small, safe electrical pulses to the muscles in the arm to actually make the movement happen. By pairing the brain's intention with the actual movement, the brain and muscles are encouraged to work better together, strengthening those important connections. This is called 'neural rewiring,' which means the brain is making new pathways to improve control.

The main aim of this research is to see if this BCI-FES therapy can help improve arm and hand function in young people aged 12 to 17 who have hemiparetic cerebral palsy. While similar approaches have helped adults after strokes, less is known about how effective it can be for children. The hope is to develop a therapy that is not only effective but also engaging and enjoyable for children, ultimately helping them gain more independence and improve their quality of life. If successful, this could pave the way for more widespread use of such technology-based treatments.

Key takeaways

It uses new technology (BCI-FES) to help kids with cerebral palsy improve arm use.
It aims to help strengthen brain-muscle connections for better movement.
The study involves 15-20 sessions over two months, wearing a special cap.
Potential benefits include better hand function and more independence.
It's for young people aged 12-17 with weakness on one side of their body.
The goal is a fun, engaging, and effective therapy for children.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people aged 12 to 17 years old who have hemiparetic cerebral palsy. This means their cerebral palsy mainly affects one side of their body, causing weakness that impacts how they use their arm and hand. You would need to be able to sit comfortably without much support for at least 30 minutes, and have normal eyesight and hearing (even with glasses or hearing aids).

There are also a few things that would mean you couldn't join the study. For example, if both sides of your body are affected by a stroke that happened around birth, or if you have very severe weakness in your wrist. You also wouldn't be able to join if you've had surgery on your arm or hand, or certain injections in the past six months. The researchers will also check if you can follow the study instructions and if the brain signal system can detect your thoughts reliably.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 12 and 17 years old?
Do you have cerebral palsy that mainly affects one side of your body (hemiparesis)?
Do you have normal eyesight and hearing (with or without aids)?
Can you comfortably sit upright for at least 30 minutes?
Have you *not* had arm/hand surgery or injections in the last 6 months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you will have about 15 to 20 sessions over a two-month period. During each session, you'll wear a special cap that can read your brain signals. While wearing this cap, you'll imagine moving your wrist, and the system will detect your brain activity. This will trigger gentle electrical impulses to your muscles, helping your hand move. You'll also see an animated hand on a screen showing the movement. The researchers will measure how well your hands perform daily tasks, how co-ordinated your hand movements are, how your muscles work, and if there are any side effects. There are no additional medications involved in this study. The total duration of active participation, including all sessions, will be about two months.

Potential risks and benefits

This study offers the potential benefit of improving arm and hand function, which could lead to greater independence in daily activities. It's a new approach for children, and while similar technology has been safe for adults, the researchers will carefully monitor participants for any unexpected effects. Any electrical stimulation is gentle and closely controlled. You have the full right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is hemiparetic cerebral palsy?

It's a type of cerebral palsy where a brain injury, often from around birth, causes weakness and difficulty moving on one side of the body, usually affecting the arm and hand most.

How does the 'brain-computer interface' work?

It's a system that can 'read' your thoughts. When you think about moving your hand, the system detects these brain signals. This then triggers gentle electrical pulses to make your muscles move, helping your brain and muscles reconnect.

Will I feel electric shocks?

No, the electrical stimulation is very gentle. It's designed to help activate your muscles, not to cause discomfort. The researchers will ensure the levels are comfortable and safe.

How long will each session last?

The information doesn't specify the exact length of each session, but you'll have 15 to 20 sessions over two months, and you need to be able to sit for at least 30 minutes comfortably.

What if the treatment doesn't work for me?

The study aims to find out if this treatment is effective. Even if it doesn't show improvement for everyone, the information gained will still be very valuable for developing future treatments for children with cerebral palsy.

How to find out more

Ephrem Zewdie, MD, PhD

etakele@ualberta.ca (780) 492-2463 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.