tSCS in children and young people with HCP

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  The Effects of Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation on Upper Extremity Function in Children and Young People with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

• IRAS ID

  345280

• Contact name

  Sarah Astill

• Contact email

  s.l.astill@leeds.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of leeds

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 2 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that affects movement and posture due to brain development issues in babies or young children. Hemiplegic CP (HCP) is a condition where one side of the body is paralysed. Symptoms like stiffness in the arms and legs usually appear early and can make everyday tasks, such as reaching or holding objects difficult. Improving arm and hand function is crucial for increasing independence and quality of life for children with HCP.

  This study investigates a technique called Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (tSCS). tSCS uses sticky pads placed on the skin to deliver a mild electrical current. This current stimulates nerves to help them send signals to the muscles, potentially improving arm and hand movements. Research has demonstrated that tSCS can provide benefits in the lower limb for children and young people (CYP) with CP, those with spinal cord injuries and healthy individuals.

  In this project, we will test the feasibility and effectiveness of tSCS in 18 CYP (aged 12–21 years) with HCP.

  The participant needs to come to the University of Leeds for the study sessions. Young people aged 16–21 may attend the sessions alone, while those under 16 must be accompanied by a parent, carer, or guardian. All participants are welcome to bring a family member or friend for support if they wish. The participant will attend two sessions. Each session will last approximately 60–90 minutes and will include:
  - A Baseline Assessment (before training)
  - A 30-minute Upper Limb Task Training (ULTT)
  - One session will involve transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) combined with ULTT
  - One session will involve ULTT only (no stimulation)
  - The order is randomised, meaning participants do the stimulation session first or second
  - A Post-Training Assessment
  

• REC name

  London - Surrey Borders Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  25/PR/0931

• Date of REC Opinion

  15 Aug 2025

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion