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Dorsal Root Electrical Stimulation for Spasticity in Children with Cerebral Palsy

This study is looking at whether a special type of electrical stimulation, called dorsal root electrical stimulation, can help reduce spasticity (muscle stiffness) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Researchers will use two devices, the DS8R and the Cadwell Guardian System, to deliver controlled electrical pulses to the dorsal roots during a surgery called selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). This surgery is already a standard treatment for some children with CP. The study will measure how much the electrical stimulation changes the muscle response during the surgery. Children aged 3 to 14 with a diagnosis of CP who are already scheduled for SDR surgery are eligible to participate. The study is currently unclear on its recruitment status and plans to enroll 15 participants.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 15 participants. It is not specified if it is randomized, blinded, or what phase it is in.
What's involved
Participants will undergo dorsal root electrical stimulation during their scheduled selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery. The primary measurement will occur during this single surgical session.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoint is measured during the surgery session, so long-term follow-up is not specified beyond this.

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NCT07715006

Dorsal Root Electrical Stimulation in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Recruiting
NAAges 3–14InterventionalBasic science
Martin Piazza
~15 participants
Updated 2026-07-20 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Constant Current StimulatorCadwell Guardian System

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Peak-to-peak amplitude of the dorsal root reflex
Measured over In session during the surgery (1 session)

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Cerebral Palsy
Spasticity
Spasticity Due to Cerebral Palsy

Explore related trials

Cerebral Palsy

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Pennsylvania1

Study leadership

  • Martin G Piazza, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Pittsburgh

Who to contact

Bailey McDonald, BS
[email protected]
412-692-9966
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Children ages 3 to 14
Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy
Require an SDR as determined by the multidisciplinary movement disorders team
Confirmation that subjects' terms of insurance coverage for their standard of care procedure will not be altered by study enrollment.

What this trial measures

  • Peak-to-peak amplitude of the dorsal root reflexIn session during the surgery (1 session)

    The investigators will assess whether dorsal root electrical stimulation at frequencies (40-5000Hz) can normalize the abnormally large muscle response to electrical stimulation of the same dorsal root at low frequencies that is a signature of spasticity in CP. The investigators will measure the peak-to-peak amplitude of the dorsal root reflex with intramuscular EMGs. Succes criteria: A 20% reduction in the peak-to-peak amplitude of the spinal reflex