Using Neurotechology to Help Children With Physical Disability Due to Cerebral Palsy
Key facts
- Where
- Edmonton, CanadaSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 12 and 17 years old?
Source: NCT07269353, who can take part
Where in Canada
- Glenrose Rehabilitation HospitalEdmonton, CanadaContact: Monica Gorassini, PhDTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- University of Alberta
- Trial code
- NCT07269353
- Record updated
- 9 February 2026
- Original description
Hemiparetic cerebral palsy is a condition in which one side of a child's body becomes weak due to brain injury occurring around birth, often caused by stroke. Weakness on the affected side reduces the ability to use the involved hand and arm, limiting everyday activities such as dressing, eating, and playing. Few effective treatments currently exist, especially for children with severe weakness.Read full original descriptionShow less
Enhancing Pediatric Neurorehabilitation: Integration of Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) and Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Technologies to Improve Upper Extremity Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Hemiparetic cerebral palsy is a condition in which one side of a child's body becomes weak due to brain injury occurring around birth, often caused by stroke. Weakness on the affected side reduces the ability to use the involved hand and arm, limiting everyday activities such as dressing, eating, and playing. Few effective treatments currently exist, especially for children with severe weakness.
The study described here examines a new therapy that combines Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology with Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). BCI technology uses brain signals to control external devices; in this therapy, brain signals activate muscles through electrical stimulation. When a child imagines wrist movement, the system detects the associated brain activity and delivers electrical stimulation to generate actual movement. Such paired activity supports neural rewiring and strengthens connections between the brain and muscles, leading to improved arm function.
Previous research demonstrates strong benefits of BCI-FES for adults after stroke, but minimal testing has been conducted with children. The current study will evaluate whether BCI-FES improves arm and hand function in children aged 12 to 17 with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.
Participants will complete 15 to 20 sessions over a two-month period while wearing a cap that records brain signals. During each session, the system provides muscle stimulation and visual feedback through animated hand movements. Outcome measures will include performance of daily tasks, hand dexterity, muscle activity, and the presence of any adverse effects.
The overarching goal is to create a fun, engaging, and effective therapy that supports recovery of hand use and greater independence. Successful results could guide larger studies and inspire new technology-based treatments that enhance quality of life for children with cerebral palsy.
Inclusion: Clinically confirmed and functionally disabling moderate to severe hemiparetic CP (GMFCS levels I-IV and MACS levels II\&III) with personalized goals that include improvement of wrist extension of affected upper extremity; Age 12-17 years,; Informed Consent/assent,; Normal corrected vision and hearing; Ability to maintain supported sitting for 30 min or more.
Exclusion: Upper extremity orthopedic surgery or botulinum toxin in the preceding 6 months,; Bilateral perinatal stroke; Motor strength of wrist extension zero; Severe hemiparesis (MACS V); Severe developmental delay and/or other inability to comply with study protocol; Severe wrist contractures limiting wrist extension; Initial classification accuracy below level of significance (as determined by the BCI system).