Gentle back zaps may help kids with cerebral palsy move easier

NCT ID NCT07516067

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Martin Piazza Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a mild, non-invasive electrical stimulation on the back (transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation) can reduce spasticity—stiff, tight muscles—in children with cerebral palsy. Researchers will compare spinal cord activity in 30 children with CP and typically developing kids. Participants will do movement exercises and receive gentle stimulation that feels like a light tap, while doctors measure changes in muscle stiffness and nerve signals.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a non-invasive way to ease muscle stiffness and improve movement in children with cerebral palsy.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study (30 participants) focused on measuring spinal cord activity, not yet proving long-term benefit. The stimulation may not reduce spasticity for all children.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cerebral palsy Muscle Spasticity

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CEREBRAL PALSY SPASTICITY

Contacts and locations

Locations

UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
RECRUITING

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15224, United States

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