Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined With Virtual Reality on Gait and Self-Esteem in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Key facts
- Where
- Islamabad, PakistanSee the 2 sites
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 8 and 16 years old?
Source: NCT07829796, who can take part
Where in Pakistan
- Al-Farabi Special Education Centre for Physically HandicappedIslamabad, PakistanContact: hassan rauf, MS PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPYTaking people
- Sedum School of RehabilitationIslamabad, PakistanContact: hassan rauf, MS PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPYTaking 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
- Riphah International University
- Trial code
- NCT07829796
- Record updated
- 23 September 2026
- Original description
Cerebral palsy can affect walking ability, muscle control, functional mobility, and psychosocial well-being in children. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that may support motor learning, while virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation provides interactive, repetitive, and task-specific motor training.Read full original descriptionShow less
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Addition to Virtual Reality on Gait and Self-Esteem in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Cerebral palsy can affect walking ability, muscle control, functional mobility, and psychosocial well-being in children. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that may support motor learning, while virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation provides interactive, repetitive, and task-specific motor training.
This randomized controlled trial will investigate whether active tDCS combined with VR rehabilitation provides additional benefits compared with sham tDCS combined with the same VR rehabilitation and conventional physical therapy in children with spastic cerebral palsy.
A total of 42 children aged 8 to 16 years with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-III will be randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: active tDCS plus VR, sham tDCS plus VR, or conventional physical therapy. Each group will receive 18 treatment sessions over six weeks, with three sessions per week.
Outcomes will be assessed before treatment, after nine sessions, and after 18 sessions. The primary outcomes will be gait performance measured using the 10-Meter Walk Test and self-esteem measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Secondary outcomes will evaluate spasticity, gross motor function, functional mobility, and functional independence.
Inclusion: Diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy (spastic diplegia). Age 8-16 years. Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-III. Presence of mild to moderate lower-limb spasticity, defined as a Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) score between 1 and 3 in at least one major lower-limb muscle group, such as the gastrocnemius, hamstrings, or hip adductors; Able to understand and follow verbal instructions. Parent or guardian provides informed consent and the child provides assent.
Exclusion: History of seizures or epilepsy. Implanted metal or electronic devices, such as a pacemaker. Severe cognitive impairment that prevents comprehension of study tasks. Skin allergies, lesions, or other conditions affecting the electrode application sites; Current use of antispasticity medication that could directly influence spasticity outcomes; Botulinum toxin injection within the previous 3 months. Recent orthopedic surgery or change in medication regimen within the previous 5 days; Concurrent participation in alternative or adjunct therapies outside the study protocol; Refusal to participate or withdrawal of consent/assent.