Participate
Remote Ischemic Conditioning and Bimanual Training
The purpose of this study is to understand the effects of a novel intervention, remote ischemic conditioning, combined with intensive bimanual training on the enhancement of affected hand function and bimanual coordination in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Remote ischemic conditioning refers to briefly reducing a blood supply to the affected arm. Our pilot studies have established safety, tolerability, and efficacy of this intervention in children with cerebral palsy.
Who can participate?
Children with hemiplegia, age 7 – 16 years
Location
PeARL, Department of Physical Therapy, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
What to expect?
The study involves total 9 visits. First 2 visits (3-5 hours each) are the assessment visits where child will undergo MRI, TMS, and behavioral testing. Next 5 visits are the training visits–– the child will receive total 35 hours (7 hours/day for 5 consecutive days) of hand arm bimanual intensive therapy (HABIT) free of cost. Two trained personnel will work with the child under the supervision of experienced physical and occupational therapists. The last two visits are the assessment visits during which we will perform the same baseline testing. All the study visits are in-person.
Compensation
Child will receive total $300 for study participation.
Remote Ischemic Conditioning to Improve Mobility of Children with Cerebral Palsy
The purpose of this study is to understand the effects of a novel intervention, remote ischemic conditioning, combined with lower extremity power, balance, and gait training on walking performance of children with cerebral palsy.
Who can participate?
Children with cerebral palsy, age 7 – 16 years
What to expect?
The study involves total 16 visits. The first two are assessment visits during which the child will undergo gait analysis using 3-dimensional motion analysis, lower extremity strength testing, balance testing, and other walking assessments. For the next 12 training visits, child will visit our lab 3 times/week for 4 consecutive weeks. The training visits involve 45 minutes of remote ischemic conditioning followed by lower extremity power, dynamic balance, and gait training. Each training visit is 2.5- 3 hours. The last two visits are the assessment visits during which we will perform the repeat baseline assessments. All the study visits are in-person.
Compensation
Child will receive total $300 for study participation.
If interested, please contact:
Swati M. Surkar, PT, PhD, Director, PeARL
Phone: 252-744-6244
Text: 402-714-2640
Email: surkars19@ecu.edu
Sign up to participate
Please provide the following information. Our study team member will get in touch you with further details.