Determining Effect of Assistive Muscle Electrical Stimulation

Supported by National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research

Cerebral palsy is the leading cause of permanent disability in children and 25% have disability on one side of the body. The child perfers using the stronger arm in daily life and the weaker arm becomes unused and is less able to participate in therapy. We developed an innovative assistive device that enables children to practice using their hand during therapy and video game training that is not possible with volitional effort. Children are randomized into two treatment groups: 1) assistive muscle electrical stimulation with hand therapy video games and 2) video game therapy alone. For recruitment information, please visit Clinicaltrials.gov.