Exploring the Effects of Multi-Joint Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Training Gait of Children With Cerebral Palsy
University of Nebraska
Summary
The goal of this study is to see if gentle electrical stimulation can help children with cerebral palsy (CP) walk more easily. This stimulation, called neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), sends small pulses to muscles to help them activate. Researchers will test different ways of using NMES to find out which method works best. Participants will walk on a treadmill at a comfortable speed while NMES is applied to leg muscles. The study will compare different stimulation settings to see which one helps the most.
Description
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) can have trouble with daily tasks such as walking. This raises their risk of disability as they age into their teens. Current treatments are not very effective. In this study, children with CP will walk on a treadmill while receiving neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on their lower limb muscles, using surface electrodes, while their gait dynamics are assessed, using Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors. Our proposed study aims to gather preliminary evidence to support the potential efficacy of NMES assistance to muscles across all lower limb joint…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 7–40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
\*Inclusion Criteria\* CP Group: * Age 7-18 * Diagnosis of spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) * GMFCS level I-III (be able to walk with or without assistive devices) * MIGR \< 40% femoral head covering in acetabulum * Crouch, equinus, or jump gait * At least 0° passive dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) * Sufficient visuoperceptual, cognitive, and communication skills * Seizure-free or well-controlled seizures * No other neurological or musculoskeletal disorders (e.g. dystonia, severe scoliosis, hip instability * Ability to travel to the University of Nebraska at Omaha two times * Ability…
Interventions
- DeviceNeuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)
Children with CP can have trouble with daily tasks such as walking. This raises their risk of disability as they age into their teens. Current treatments are not very effective. In this study, children with CP will walk on a treadmill while receiving NMES on their lower limb muscles, using surface electrodes, while their gait dynamics are assessed. Our proposed study aims to gather preliminary evidence to support the potential efficacy of NMES assistance to muscles across all lower limb joints during walking, i.e., multi-joint NMES assistance. Additionally, the investigators aim to investigate the optimal level of intensity.
Location
- University of Nebraska at Omaha, Biomechanics Research BuildingOmaha, Nebraska