Hemiparetic cerebral palsy is a condition in which one side of a child's body becomes weak due to brain injury occurring around birth, often caused by stroke. Weakness on the affected side reduces the ability to use the involved hand and arm, limiting everyday activities such as dressing, eating, and playing. Few effective treatments currently exist, especially for children with severe weakness.
The study described here examines a new therapy that combines Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology with Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). BCI technology uses brain signals to control external devices; in this therapy, brain signals activate muscles through electrical stimulation. When a child imagines wrist movement, the system detects the associated brain activity and delivers electrical stimulation to generate actual movement. Such paired activity supports neural rewiring and strengthens connections between the brain and muscles, leading to improved arm function.
Previous research demonstrates strong benefits of BCI-FES for adults after stroke, but minimal testing has been conducted with children. The current study will evaluate whether BCI-FES improves arm and hand function in children aged 12 to 17 with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.
Participants will complete 15 to 20 sessions over a two-month period while wearing a cap that records brain signals. During each session, the system provides muscle stimulation and visual feedback through animated hand movements. Outcome measures will include performance of daily tasks, hand dexterity, muscle activity, and the presence of any adverse effects.
The overarching goal is to create a fun, engaging, and effective therapy that supports recovery of hand use and greater independence. Successful results could guide larger studies and inspire new technology-based treatments that enhance quality of life for children with cerebral palsy.
Clinically confirmed and functionally disabling moderate to severe hemiparetic CP (GMFCS levels I-IV and MACS levels II&III) with personalized goals that include improvement of wrist extension of affected upper extremity
Age 12-17 years,
Informed Consent/assent,
Normal corrected vision and hearing
Bilateral perinatal stroke
Motor strength of wrist extension zero
Severe hemiparesis (MACS V)
Severe developmental delay and/or other inability to comply with study protocol
Single group
Brain Computer Interface - Functional Electrical Stimulations
DeviceThis intervention combines EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI) technology with functional electrical stimulation (FES), allowing participants to control muscle activation using their brain signals. Unlike traditional FES or passive rehabilitation methods, this approach actively engages the user's intent, potentially enhancing neuroplasticity and motor recovery.
Melbourne Assessment 2
It is a standardized tool used to assess the quality of upper limb movement in children aged 2.5 to 15 years with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy. It evaluates components like range of motion, accuracy, fluency, and dexterity through functional tasks.
Safety and Tolerability Measure
Safety and tolerability assessment questionnaire will be completed following every session capturing and scaling predefined and any other potential side effects.
The ReJoyce Automated Hand Function Test (RAHFT)
It is a quick, easy, and standardised assessment tool which assesses a participants's range of motion, hand control, speed, and ¬finger dexterity through a variety of ADLs.
Box and Block Test (BBT)
The BBT is an easy-to-administer, valid and reliable assessment of gross manual dexterity
Stanford Expectations Scale (SETS)
It will be administered at baseline to assess participants' and parents' pre-treatment expectations.
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University of Alberta
Lead sponsor
Alberta Health services
Collaborator
