Postural Control Intervention With the Robotic Trunk-Support-Trainer (TruST) in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Teachers College, Columbia University
Summary
The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of a motor learning-based postural and reaching control intervention delivered with the robotic Trunk-Support-Trainer (TruST) compared to the same motor learning-based intervention delivered with Static Trunk Support Equipment in children with cerebral palsy (CP) classified as III and IV with the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).
Description
This study is a prospective Clinical Randomized Control Trial (RCT) in a group of 82 children with cerebral palsy. The experimental and control groups will receive effective postural-reaching training based on motor learning and control principles. In both groups, participants will engage in play and functional activities that elicit arm movement and challenge trunk postural control, and the motor tasks and activities will be progressed. The main difference is that the experimental group will be trained with TruST in order to add postural task-progression via assistive force fields; which will…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 6–17 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 6-17 years * Diagnosis of Bilateral CP: diplegia, triplegia, or quadriplegia * Gross Motor Function Classification Systems-Expanded \& Review (GMFCS) levels III or IV * Ability to sit 5s with trunk support between mid-ribs and pelvis (SATCo = 3-7) * Cognitive capacity to follow basic verbal instructions (i.e., "do not put your hands on your lap" or "follow and reach the toy") Exclusion Criteria: * Absent head control (SATCo = 1) * Current medical illness unrelated to CP at the time of the study * Severe dyskinesia that prevents the child from maintaining sitting an…
Interventions
- DeviceRobotic Trunk-Support-Trainer (TruST)
This will involve tailoring the level of postural assistance via force fields and systematically introduce postural task-progression across training sessions. Age-appropriate activities, including toys and games, will be used in training. \- Twelve 2hr training sessions (3 times per week for 4 weeks)
- DeviceStatic Trunk Support
This will involve static support for the trunk via a trained therapist. Age-appropriate activities, including toys and games, will be used in training. \- Twelve 2hr training sessions (3 times per week for 4 weeks)
Locations (2)
- Columbia UniversityNew York, New York
- Teachers College, Columbia UniversityNew York, New York