Improving Activity in Individuals with Cerebral Palsy

This study aims to increase physical activity in individuals with cerebral palsy through virtual motivational coaching. The study also seeks to explore changes in brain activity and mobility associated with increased physical activity. Participants will receive an activity monitor to track daily steps for 8 weeks, during which motivational coaching will occur. Before and after those 8 weeks, participants will complete a series of brain imaging (MEG, MRI) and mobility assessments.

Who can participate?

• Children and adults with cerebral palsy
• Ages 11 to 45 years old

Participants must be able to walk with/without an assistive device.

Additional Requirements

• Participants with cerebral palsy cannot have:
  • Had orthopedic surgery within the past six months
  • A diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.
  • Any metal in their head or mouth (i.e. permanent retainer or braces); some dental work may be acceptable if it is not magnetic.

What will participants do?

• MEG Scan (2 hours): MEG is a type of neuroimaging that is non-invasive, completely silent, and safe. It lets us see the activity of the brain. During the assessment, we would have you/your child play a few games while we scan your/their brain.
• MRI Scan (1.5 hours): MRI is another non-invasive and safe scan that takes pictures of the brain. During the scan, you/your child can sleep or watch a movie.
• H-Reflex (1 hour): Hoffman Reflex (H-Reflex) testing is another non-invasive and safe assessment that observes how messages are sent from the brain to the nerves in your/your child’s leg. A sensor similar to a TENS unit is placed on the back of your/your child’s leg, and muscle activity is recorded during sitting, standing, and walking.
• Clinical tests of spinal cord and mobility (1.5 hours)

Compensation

$50 per assessment visit, totaling up to $300; 8 weeks of motivational coaching with our team; Fitbit Versa 2 to use during the study and keep after compensated; loaner in-home portable treadmill to use during the 8 intervention weeks if need be

Have questions or would like to participate?

Contact our lab at (402) 249-9465 or email us at power@boystown.org.