Physical Disability in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Understanding What Causes Physical Disability in Cerebral Palsy
The purpose of the study is to understand what may cause symptoms in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) or conditions affecting nerve and muscle systems. Short term sub-studies in this project will evaluate the cause of muscle stiffness and non-surgical methods to reduce stiffness in muscle samples.
Study Location | Status
Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware | Enrolling
Participant Eligibility
Clinical trials have inclusion and exclusion requirements that determine eligibility. Key requirements are listed below. Please note there may be additional qualifications.
Participants must be/have:
- Ages six months or older.
- With or without a condition that affects the nerves and muscle systems.
- Patient receiving surgical care or treatment at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware.
Parents and siblings of patients who are receiving, or have received, care at Nemours are also eligible to participate.
About the Study
Formal Study Name: Pathophysiology of Physical Disability in Cerebral Palsy
Study Type: Observational (researchers observe and record without intervening)
Study ID: 687629
Enrollment/Participant Goal: 100 participants annually
Enrolling Healthy Volunteers? Yes
What’s Involved
Participation begins with a brief discussion about the study, which may take 15–30 minutes or more, giving your family time to ask questions and decide whether to take part.
If you choose to participate, here’s what to expect:
- Tissue samples may be collected during a planned surgical procedure. In most cases, this will include tissue that is already being removed and not needed for your child’s care.
- The research team may collect blood, muscle, saliva, and in some cases, fat (adipose tissue) or underlying layers of skin.
- For certain procedures, the surgeon may safely remove a very small additional muscle sample (about the size of a pea) if appropriate and approved by the care team.
- All samples are collected by Nemours staff, nurses, or surgical teams and will be stored in the Nemours Biobank.
- Samples may be shared with researchers at partner institutions for laboratory analysis.
Passive participation (data and sample storage) will continue indefinitely, unless you withdraw your consent.
How This Study Fits in
This study reflects our broader commitment at Nemours to improve care through research. Clinical trials like this one are shaped by the expertise of our medical teams and research programs. Learn how related research and clinical care support, and are strengthened by, studies like this one.
Cerebral Palsy Program
CLINICAL CARE
Pediatric specialists providing comprehensive care for children with cerebral palsy, including therapy, surgery, and mobility support across the Delaware Valley and Florida.
Orthopedic Center, Delaware Valley
CLINICAL CARE
Pediatric orthopedic care including neuromuscular, spine, and limb conditions at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware and throughout Greater Philadelphia.
Orthopedics Clinical Trials
CLINICAL RESEARCH
We are conducting clinical trials to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for children with various orthopedic conditions.
Orthopedics Research
RESEARCH AREA
Our teams study bone, joint, and muscle development to improve care for children with orthopedic conditions through innovation and collaboration.
More About Clinical Trials
Learn what to expect from a clinical trial — how they work, why they matter, and what to consider when deciding if one is right for your child.
Learn About Cerebral From Nemours KidsHealth®
From muscle stiffness to movement challenges, cerebral palsy affects each child differently. Learn how CP is diagnosed and managed, and explore resources to help kids thrive. Brought to you by the experts at Nemours.