Quantifying Energetic Demands of Walking for People With Cerebral Palsy

University of Washington

Status: Completed

Conditions: Cerebral Palsy

Treatments: Other: Varying levels of harness support during walking

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other; NIH

Identifiers

NCT04303078

R21HD104112 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

STUDY00014591

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to examine the underlying mechanisms that contribute to high energy costs for people with cerebral palsy (CP) as they walk.

The investigators will characterize the cost landscape of children with CP, quantifying the magnitude of cost (net nondimensional oxygen consumption) associated with walking and common sub-tasks of walking, such as supporting and stabilizing the body.

Full description

Children with CP use large amounts of energy to walk and move, leading to fatigue and limiting participation. For people with CP the energetic cost of walking is on average over two times higher than typically-developing (TD) peers. This means that for people with CP, walking is as tiring as jogging or climbing stairs. An energetic cost of this magnitude restricts activities of daily living (ADL) and causes exhaustion.

While the investigators and many others have sought to reduce these energetic costs through surgical interventions, rehabilitation, orthotics, or other assistive devices, these strategies have failed to result in meaningful reductions in energy. To design strategies that successfully reduce walking costs, the investigators must first understand the underlying mechanisms contributing to elevated cost in people with CP. This basic-science research will provide the foundation to create evidence-based strategies to decrease energy costs, minimize fatigue, and increase quality of life for people with CP and other neurologic injuries.

Enrollment: 34 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 8 to 17 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria for Cases:

• 8-17 years old
• Diagnosed with bilateral cerebral palsy
• Gross Motor Function Classification System II
• No surgery within the last 9 months
• No current baclofen pump or explantation in the last 2 months
• No botulinum toxin or phenol injections in the last 2 months
• Had a prior gait and motion analysis at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare
• Participant and caregiver able to speak and read English
• Ability to follow instructions

Inclusion Criteria for Controls:

• 8-17 years old
• Participant and caregiver able to speak and read English
• Ability to follow instructions

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Non-Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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34 participants in 2 patient groups

Children with Cerebral Palsy (Cases)

Experimental group

Description:

Children meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy.

Treatment:

Other: Varying levels of harness support during walking

Typically Developing Children (Controls)

Other group

Description:

Children meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria without a diagnosis of cerebral palsy or other condition.

Treatment:

Other: Varying levels of harness support during walking