Brain zaps and therapy show promise for kids with stroke paralysis
NCT ID NCT03216837
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This completed trial tested whether combining a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS with intensive rehabilitation can improve hand function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy caused by perinatal stroke. 89 children participated, and the study measured changes in how well they used their affected hand in daily tasks. The goal is to find a new, non-drug treatment to help these children gain more independence.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new, non-invasive way to improve hand function and quality of life for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy after perinatal stroke.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed early-stage trial with 89 participants, so results may not apply to all children. The treatment requires precise brain mapping and may not work for everyone.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta, T2M 1N4, Canada
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Robotic mirror therapy: a new hope for children with cerebral palsy?
- Turning play into therapy: Ride-On toys may boost arm strength in kids with hemiplegia
- Can a smart foot device retrain walking after hemiplegia?
- Brain zaps plus therapy: a new hope for children with cerebral palsy?
- Ear stimulation may boost brain rewiring in babies with brain injury
- Can watching or mirroring movements strengthen Children's hands?