Non-invasive brain stimulation for children and young people with cerebral palsy
Who it’s for: Survivors of childhood stroke, family members or carers
What it involves: Test a therapy
Where: Online (Australia)
Summary
Researchers from Monash Health and Cerebral Palsy Alliance are leading this study to show that a treatment called transcranial direct current stimulation – also called tDCS – can be delivered safely and feasibly in the home.
tDCS is a treatment that involves the delivery of very low levels of electricity to a specific area of the brain. It has been established as safe and feasible in laboratory and clinical settings.
When tDCS is combined with other treatments that are designed to help movement, such as those received from a physiotherapist or occupational therapist, it may result in bigger improvements for children with cerebral palsy than achieved with physiotherapy or occupational therapy alone.
In this study, a real tDCS device will be used to determine whether families can use it safely and feasibly at home with instructions from researchers via live videoconferencing. Research team members include experienced paediatric neurologists, scientists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
Eligibility
- Children and adolescents with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy following perinatal stroke or brain bleed
- Aged 8–17 years
- Able to follow two-step instructions
- Internet access, computer/laptop.
Activity
- Participants will attend 5 x 1-hour zoom sessions from their home.
- These sessions will occur over 5 days, with one session scheduled per day.
- Sessions will involve setting up the tDCS device, turning on the device, running the stimulation, packing away the device, answering questions and providing feedback throughout.
- The research team will be on the call to guide each step of the process.
- A final 5–10 minute phone call will be conducted one week after finishing the study to gather feedback on the study and assess interest in future studies.
You can express interest in participating via our brief online form
Documents
Information sheet for child/adolescent [PDF 631 KB]
Information sheet for parent/guardian [PDF 840 KB]
Contact
To find out more, please contact Dr Alex Griffin, Research Fellow, Cerebral Palsy Alliance
02 8052 2071 or 0401 841 195
