Cerebral palsy is a group of movement and posture disorders caused by brain injury before, during, or shortly after birth. It affects about 1 in 345 children in the United States. Treatment has traditionally focused on managing symptoms through physical therapy, medications for spasticity, and orthopedic surgeries, but no treatments address the underlying brain injury.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing stem cell therapies that aim to repair damaged brain tissue, drugs that may improve motor function and reduce spasticity, and intensive rehabilitation approaches that leverage neuroplasticity. Some studies are exploring whether early intervention in infants at high risk can prevent or reduce CP severity. Researchers are also working on brain-computer interfaces and robotic devices to improve movement and independence.
Stem cell therapy
Multiple trials are testing whether a person's own umbilical cord blood cells or other cell types can repair brain damage in young children with CP. Early studies suggest some improvement in motor function, though researchers are still determining which cell types work best and when to give them.
Early detection and intervention
New imaging and assessment tools can identify CP risk in the first months of life, well before traditional diagnosis. Studies are testing whether starting intensive therapy this early can rewire developing brains and reduce disability.
Neuroplasticity-based therapies
Constraint-induced movement therapy and other intensive approaches force the brain to create new movement pathways. Trials are testing these methods combined with brain stimulation or virtual reality to maximize results.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on CP type and severity (measured by systems like GMFCS), age, whether the child walks independently, and specific motor or cognitive abilities being studied.
What types of trials are currently open
- Stem cell trials — Testing whether infusions of umbilical cord blood, bone marrow cells, or other cell types can improve motor function in children with CP.
- Drug trials — Testing medications that may improve movement, reduce muscle stiffness, or address complications like seizures and pain. Some studies test new formulations of baclofen or botulinum toxin.
- Rehabilitation trials — Testing intensive physical therapy approaches, robotic devices, virtual reality training, or brain stimulation to improve motor skills.
- Prevention trials — Testing early interventions in high-risk infants to see if therapy started in the first months of life can prevent or reduce CP severity.
- Device studies — Testing assistive technologies like exoskeletons, orthotics, brain-computer interfaces, or communication devices to improve function and independence.
Recently added Cerebral Palsy trials
An Early Feasibility Study of a Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface for Neural Control of External Devices in Spinal Cord Injury, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Chronic Ischemic Stroke
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and preliminary effectiveness of the N1 System, a fully implanted brain-computer interface placed in the motor cortex with the R1 Robot. The study builds on knowledge gained in a previous clinical investigation of this system. It enrolls adults with severe upper-limb impairment from spinal cord injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or chronic ischemic stroke. Participants use neural signals recorded by the N1 Implant to control a computer cursor or virtual keyboard. The study will describe serious adverse device effects and will assess digital daily activities, computer-control performance, independent use of the system, and participant-, clinician-, and caregiver-reported outcomes. Up to 10 participants will be enrolled at up to five sites in the United States and followed for about 2 years after implantation, or about 3 years if they choose extended follow-up. There is no comparison group; each participant's results are compared with their own baseline.
Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation Combined With Task-Oriented Training on Lower Limb Function, Balance, and Quality of Life in Children With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy.
This study aims to compare the effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) combined with Task-Oriented Training (TOT) and Task-Oriented Training alone on gross motor function, balance, and quality of life in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Children with this condition commonly experience lower-limb weakness, increased muscle tone, impaired balance, and difficulties with standing and walking. A total of 44 children aged 3-7 years will be recruited. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: the experimental group will receive FES combined with task-oriented training, while the control group will receive task-oriented training alone. Both groups will undergo supervised treatment three times per week for six weeks, with each session lasting 60 minutes. The experimental group will receive FES applied to the gluteus medius muscle alongside task-oriented training. Task-oriented training will include sit-to-stand practice, standing balance, walking, stepping, obstacle negotiation, and stair training. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Pediatric Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). The study aims to determine whether combining FES with task-oriented training leads to greater improvements in gross motor function, balance, and quality of life.
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