This research study will combine non-invasive spinal stimulation with mobility devices to examine the acute impact of the individual and combined effects of these innovative techniques on mobility in children with cerebral palsy.
have a neurologic condition
are 4-70 years of age
have stable medical condition
can perform simple cued motor tasks and who can follow 2-3 step commands
have significant medical disease; including uncontrolled systemic hypertension with values above 170/100 mmHg; cardiac or pulmonary disease; uncorrected coagulation abnormalities or need for therapeutic anticoagulation.
have cardiovascular or musculoskeletal disease or injury that would prevent full participation in physical therapy intervention
have a history of uncontrolled seizures
have unhealed fracture or other musculoskeletal impairment that might interfere with lower extremity rehabilitation or testing activities
Single group
Mobility Device
DeviceUse of mobility device during session.
Spinal Stimulation
DeviceA stimulator will be used non-invasively stimulate the spine at the neck and/or lower back (cervical and/or lum
Muscle Coordination
Change in level of co-contraction between the plantarflexor and tibialis anterior muscles during the gait cycle monitored from electromyography recordings.
Modified Ashworth Scale
Change in summed score of spasticity from lower-extremity muscles. Lower values indicate less spasticity.
Plantarflexor Muscle Strength
Change in maximum voluntary contraction level of the plantarflexor muscles taken as the average of three trials where the participant exerts the maximum amount of force measured from a handheld dynamometer with verbal encouragement.
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University of Washington
Lead sponsor
Seattle Children's Hospital
Collaborator
