Participants are being asked to take part in this clinical trial, a type of research study, because investigators want to learn more about oxygen usage in the brain. Patients diagnosed with sickle cell disease are at risk for difficulties with thinking and academic skills. The brain requires a consistent supply of oxygen for normal function, but this supply is reduced among patients with sickle cell disease. The development of new treatments to improve cerebrovascular functioning is needed to limit these difficulties. Transcranial photobiomodulation (i.e., light stimulation to the brain) has the potential to improve cerebrovascular and neurocognitive functioning among patients with sickle cell disease.Participants will be selected randomly (like the flip of a coin) to receive either active light therapy or placebo (no active light treatment). Primary Objectives * Measure the participation rate in a study of transcranial photobiomodulation to improve cognitive functioning in a sample of children with sickle cell disease (ages 8- 17 years). * Assess self- and caregiver-reported ratings of feasibility and acceptability. * Evaluate the frequency and nature of side effects associated with transcranial photobiomodulation. Secondary Objectives * To assess the change in cognitive performance associated with transcranial photobiomodulation compared to a sham control condition. * To measure changes in cerebrovascular oxygenation (oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin) following transcranial photobiomodulation compared to a sham control condition.
Age range
8 Years – 17 Years
Sex
ALL
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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
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.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
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.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Measure the participation rate in a study of transcranial photobiomodulation to improve cognitive functioning in a sample of children with sickle cell disease (ages 8-17 years).
Timeframe: Through study completion of all enrolled participants, estimated to be 3 years
Assess self-reported ratings of feasibility.
Timeframe: Immediately post intervention period
Assess self-reported ratings of acceptability.
Timeframe: Immediately post intervention period
Assess caregiver-reported ratings of feasibility.
Timeframe: Immediately post intervention period
Assess caregiver-reported ratings of acceptability.
Timeframe: Immediately post intervention period
Evaluate the frequency and nature of side effects associated with transcranial photobiomodulation.
Timeframe: Immediately before intervention, immediately after intervention and one week post intervention period.
Evaluate the frequency and nature of side effects associated with transcranial photobiomodulation.
Timeframe: Immediately before intervention, immediately after intervention and one week post intervention period