Operant Conditioning of the Soleus Stretch Reflex in Adults With Cerebral Palsy

Launched by BURKE MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE · Oct 4, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a therapy aimed at improving the stretch reflex in adults with spastic cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement and muscle control. The trial will involve 12 participants, all of whom are adults aged 18 and older. To qualify, individuals should have a diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy, be able to walk at least 10 meters with or without assistance, and have stable health without significant medical issues.

Participants will attend a total of 30 sessions over several weeks, where they will engage in various exercises that focus on reducing the strength of the reflex response in their muscles. Throughout the trial, researchers will measure progress by assessing participants' muscle responses and physical abilities at the start of the study and again after the sessions are completed, with follow-up checks at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months later. This study aims to see if this new approach can help improve movement control for those with spastic cerebral palsy.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age 18 and above
• • 2. Diagnosis of spastic Cerebral Palsy
• • 3. Gross Motor Function Classification System level I-III
• • 4. Stable medical background
• • 5. Current medication will remain unchanged for 3 months
• • 6. Provides informed consent
• • 7. can walk at least 10 meters with or without assistive device
• • 8. meets minimum study procedure requirements (elicitation of H-reflex).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Pregnancy
• • 2. uncontrolled diabetes
• • 3. weak dorsiflexion
• • 4. History of cardiac conditions
• • 5. cognitive deficits that interfere with study procedure and steps for completion
• • 6. Botox within 2 months of the study
• • 7. H/O ankle surgeries in affected leg (Dorsal root rhizotomy etc.)
• • 8. regular use of electrical stimulation to lower extremity muscles
• • 9. Cochlear or metal implantations on body
• • 10. No history of seizure after age 2 years
• • 11. Current use of antiseizure medicines
• • 12. Any metal or magnetic components in the head (surgical clips, metal work etc.)
• • 13. Implanted device or cardiac pacemakers (applicable for DS8R too)
• • 14. Skin disorders
• • 15. Damaged skin (wounds, broken skin, or recent scar tissue)
• • 16. Allergy to latex (tape)