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This study is complete and is no longer recruiting subjects.
Overview
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Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of permanent physical disability in childhood, causing problems in the development of movement and posture, often accompanied by disturbances of sensation, perception, cognition, communication, and behavior. CP, which occurs as a result of brain injury before, during, or shortly after birth, affects 3-4 out of every 1000 school-aged children in the US.
Children with CP have abnormal walking patterns, typically due to damage to the central nervous system and skeletal muscles during development. Although CP is not progressive, the development of secondary musculoskeletal problems can contribute to gradual loss of walking ability, with progressively decreasing metabolic efficiency, increasing fatigue and pain, and eventual joint damage. The psychological health of children with CP is also affected by chronic pain, social isolation, disability, and progressive loss of independence.
As walking becomes inefficient and difficult, children and families typically choose to use a wheelchair, which limits future walking potential. However, children who can walk are more successful in social roles and community participation and tend to have a more independent lives than those who use wheelchairs.
The objective of this study is to determine the use of robotic exoskeletons as gait training interventions in patients with Cerebral Palsy.
Subject Population
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- Have a diagnosis of cerebral palsy with spastic displegia
- Have a Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) score of 1-3
- Ability to understand and follow verbal cues
- Ages 8-21 years
Study Personnel
Mentioned Profile
Arun Jayaraman, PT, PhD
Executive Director, Technology & Innovation Hub (tiHUB); Director, Max Näder Center for Rehabilitation Technologies & Outcomes ResearchFunding Source
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The contents of this webpage were developed under grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant numbers 90RE5014 (2013-2018) and 90REGE0003 (2018-2023). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this webpage do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.