Could a spinal implant loosen stiff muscles in cerebral palsy?

NCT ID NCT02199015

Disease control Sponsor: Juan Carlos M. Andreani MD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether a surgically implanted device that sends electrical pulses to the spinal cord can reduce spasticity (muscle stiffness) in adults with cerebral palsy. Forty participants aged 16 and older with stable, one-sided motor disability will receive the implant. Researchers will measure changes in muscle tone and daily living skills over time.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: implanted spinal cord stimulator (electrical device)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new way to manage severe muscle stiffness and improve independence in people with cerebral palsy.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-stage trial with only 40 people. The device requires surgery, which carries risks like infection or nerve damage. It may not work for everyone.

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

About 40 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Expected to start

Jun 2027

An estimate. Start dates often move.

Expected to finish

Dec 2030

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

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

16 years and older

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show 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: * Aged sixteen or older * Spastic Cerebral Palsy with stable condition * Motor disability unilateral or predominantly unilateral. * Troubles of speech clinically evident. * Normal or Slightly sub-normal I.Q * No psychiatric disorders. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cardiac or respiratory troubles * Fixed abnormal postures (except if previously corrected by orthopedic surgery) * Chronic recurrent bronchial or pulmonary infections * Chronic recurrent urinary infections * Severe osteoporosis on affected limbs * Chronic skin ulcerations.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cerebral palsy Dysarthria Muscle Spasticity spastic cerebral palsy

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Cerebral palsy Spasticity

How to take part

Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.

The places running it

2 sites in 2 countries. The list below names each one and where it is.
The official record

ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.

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A doctor treating you

A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.

Could a spinal implant loosen stiff muscles in cerebral palsy?

What the study statuses mean