Mild electrical zaps may rewire brains of kids with cerebral palsy
NCT ID NCT06586437
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study looks at how the brain and spinal cord work together in people with cerebral palsy compared to those without. Researchers will use brain scans and simple tasks to measure these signals. Some participants will also receive a mild electrical current over the scalp or spine to see if it changes brain activity. The goal is to better understand the condition, not to provide a treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcutaneous current stimulation
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a non-invasive way to improve motor function in people with cerebral palsy.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early, small study focused on measuring brain signals, not on treating symptoms. The stimulation may have no meaningful effect on daily life.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 50 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Jan 2024
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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11 to 45 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * For Cerebral Palsy Participants: * Gross Motor Function Classification score (GMFCS) levels between I-IV * For Neurotypical Controls: * No known atypical neurodevelopment (e.g. autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, etc.) Exclusion Criteria: * For Cerebral Palsy Participants: * Pregnancy * Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, is a contraindication to participation * The presence of any ferrous metal implant, including orthodonture, which may interfere with the MEG data acquisition and/or be an MRI safety concern * No orthopedic surgery in the last 6 months or metal in their body that would preclude the use of an MRI * For Neurotypical Controls: Pregnancy * Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, is a contraindication to participation * The presence of any ferrous metal implant, including orthodonture, which may interfere with the MEG data acquisition and/or be an MRI safety concern * No orthopedic surgery in the last 6 months or metal in their body that would preclude the use of an MRI
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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
-
Boys Town National Research Hospital
Boys Town, Nebraska, 68010, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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