Bimanual Training and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)

Does your child have hemiplegic cerebral palsy?

Is he/she aged between 6 to 17 years?

If you answered yes to both questions, we would like to invite your child to participate in a study examining the effects of bimanual training and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on hand function in children with hemiplegia. This study will be performed over a 1 week period, and your child will be compensated for his/her time.

Participation will involve:

5 training sessions (2 hours/session)

2 hours of bimanual training a day for 5 consecutive days. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) will be applied during the first 20 minutes.

tDCS is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation which is believed to enhance the effects of motor training on hand function. It is a safe technique that has been used with over 200 children.

3 evaluation timepoints

Clinical evaluations of hand function and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) will be done immediately before camp, after camp, and at a 6 month follow-up.

(TMS makes brief magnetic fields over the scalp to activate brain cells, and enables us to map out areas of the brain controlling motor movements. Non-invasive TMS pulses will be used in this study, which is considered minimal risk and tolerable to children. Note: If your child has a recurrent history of seizures after two years of age, he/she might not qualify.)

Interested in participating or want more information?

Complete this form: pre-screening form

Call: 212-678-3332

Email: cpresearch@tc.columbia.edu

IRB Protocol #: 19-227