Movement-based walking training for young children with cerebral palsy

AI summary

From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.

The trial is looking for young children with cerebral palsy who do not walk. It compares an intensive walking-training program on a treadmill with usual care.

Age

2 Years to 6 Years

Sex

All

Disease stage

Cerebral palsy. The child does not walk, or walking is not their main way of getting around. The child can hold their head upright for 5 seconds when supported at the trunk while sitting.

Earlier treatment

No surgery or botulinum toxin injections in the previous 6 months.

Main reasons for not taking part

• Surgery or botulinum toxin injections in the previous 6 months
• Epilepsy that is not under control
• Heart or blood vessel disease that is not under control
• Not able to attend training at Fortis Therapy Center in Dripping Springs, Texas, 3 hours/day, 5 days/week, for 3 weeks
• Not willing to take part for a total of 7 weeks

The registry criteria, word for word

Check if you might fit

Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.

• Are you between 2 and 6 years old?YesNo

What the trial wants to find out

This project aims to improve the quality of life and functional outcomes for young non-ambulatory children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) by investigating the efficacy of an Activities-Based Locomotor Training (AB-LT) program compared to usual care. By targeting the body structures, activities, and participation components of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework, this study seeks to enhance our understanding of neuroplasticity and motor learning in this population, offering a novel approach to rehabilitation. Results from this research will lead to more effective, individualized therapies that improve motor function, reduce disability, and ultimately lower the long-term healthcare needs associated with CP.

The 2 groups in the trial

• Activities-based locomotor training (AB-LT)Treatment being tested

  Child will participate in a 3-week intensive AB-LT training program. The child will attend the AB-LT session for a total of 3 hours, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. The AB-LT session will consist of 1 hour of walking and standing in a harness on a treadmill, followed by an hour of play-based physical therapy, then followed by a final 1 hour of walking and standing in a harness on a treadmill. All sessions will be run by a licensed physical therapist who is trained in AB-LT.

  Treatment: Activities-based locomotor training

• Usual careExisting treatment, for comparison

  During this arm, the child will resume or continue their usual therapy schedule, which may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or speech language pathology. No restrictions will be placed on the type or amount of therapy in which the child can participate.

  Treatment: physical therapy