Could a gentle zap to the diaphragm help kids with cerebral palsy breathe easier?

NCT ID NCT07622875

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether adding a mild electrical stimulation to the diaphragm (the main breathing muscle) can improve lung function, head control, and sitting balance in children with severe cerebral palsy who cannot walk. Thirty children aged 5-18 will receive either standard rehab alone or rehab plus the stimulation twice a week for six weeks. The goal is to see if this simple, non-invasive approach can make breathing and daily activities easier.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

transcutaneous diaphragmatic electrical stimulation (TDES) device

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple, non-invasive way to improve breathing and posture in children with severe cerebral palsy.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 30 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The treatment is added to an intensive rehab program, making it hard to isolate its effect.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CEREBRAL PALSY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cerebral palsy

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Ankara Etlik City Hospital

    Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)