Therapeutic Photobiomodulation and Tretament of Spasticity

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NOVE DE JULHO · Jul 30, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how effective a treatment called photobiomodulation (a type of low-level laser therapy) is in reducing muscle tightness, known as spasticity, in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Spasticity can cause pain and difficulties with movement, so finding effective treatments is important. The study involves children aged 2 to 18 who have been diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy affecting their legs for at least three months. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive the light therapy or a placebo (a treatment that looks like the real therapy but has no active effect) while continuing their regular treatment for spasticity.

To be eligible, children must have spastic cerebral palsy affecting their lower limbs and be undergoing physiotherapy. However, those with certain conditions, like severe ankle deformities or infections, cannot participate. During the trial, participants can expect to receive therapy once a week for two months and will be assessed on their muscle tone and movement abilities before and after treatment. This study is a great opportunity for families seeking new ways to help manage spasticity in their children safely and effectively.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy affecting inferior limbs from any etiology;
• • Cerebral palsy duration at least 03 months;
• • Patients ongoing physiotherapy treatment at University.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with fixed anatomical deformities of the ankle that do not allow ankle joint movement of at least 90 degrees of amplitude;
• • Patients with malnutrition;
• • Patients who present acute clinical conditions with potential for increase spasticity such as acute fractures, skin ulcers, acute infections;
• • Patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease;
• • Patients with another type of movement or tone disorder;
• • Patients who have exposed tumors in the area to be irradiated;
• • Patients with a history of photosensitivity to photonic or light therapy;
• • Patients who have undiagnosed lesions in the treatment region;
• • Patients using topical photosensitizing medications or creams;