UnknownPhase 3

Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Children With Cerebral Palsy

40 participantsStarted 2023-11

Plain-language summary

Spastic plantar and palmar flexion deformities are very common in children with cerebral palsy (CP). These deformities usually involve spasticity of the plantar or palmar muscle complexes, weakness of the antagonist dorsiflexor muscles of the ankle or wrist, and also involve soft tissue/muscle contractures and require a multimodal treatment approach. Physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), serial casting (SC), and botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injections had shown positive results in both of these deformities. Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses showed that extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is effective in reducing spasticity, pain intensity, and increasing range of motion and motor function when combined with PT or BoNT-A injections in neurological conditions like stroke, CP, multiple sclerosis. ESWT can be a complimentary therapy to obtain an earlier efficacy, better efficacy, a sustained effect for a longer period, and less adverse events. The objective of this study was to show the effects of ESWT when combined with intermittent SC, BoNT-A injections and PT or OT on spasticity, passive range of motion (pROM) of children with CP having spastic equinus foot deformity or wrist palmar flexion deformity.

Who can participate

Age range

3 Years – 17 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Having a diagnosis of CP according to Rosenbaum criteria, presenting plantar or palmar flexion deformity, having a Modified Ashworth Scale score of 3 in plantar or palmar flexor muscle groups, being scheduled for BoNT-A treatment, intermittent serial casting and physical or occupational therapy Exclusion Criteria: * Having cognitive dysfunction, having a history of orthopedic surgery, presenting significant dystonia, having vascular disease, fracture, or dislocation

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Mean change from baseline Tardieu XV3 angle

Timeframe: Post-treatment weeks 4-6

Mean change from baseline passive range of movement

Timeframe: Post-treatment weeks 12-20

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06128616

SponsorKocaeli University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-06

Contact for this trial

Nigar Dursun, MD

90 5334322568 nigard@hotmail.com

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Spasticity/Paresis trials