Neuromodulation of the Cortex and Spinal Cord

This study uses a therapeutic method called transcutaneous current stimulation (TCS). TCS is a safe way to electrically stimulate the spinal cord through patches placed on the skin, creating a signal in the body which feels similar to bumping your funny bone. Our goal is to better understand transcutaneous current stimulation’s impact on brain and spinal cord activity and see if it improves an individual's ability to learn a movement task.

Who can participate?

• Children and adults with cerebral palsy (do not need to be ambulatory)
• Ages 11 to 45 years old

Additional Requirements

Participants with cerebral palsy cannot have:

• A diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. 
• Any metal in their head or mouth (i.e. permanent retainer or braces); some dental work may be acceptable if it is not magnetic.

What will participants do?

• Transcutaneous Current Stimulation + MEG Scan (2.5 hours): MEG is a type of neuroimaging that is non-invasive, completely silent, and safe. It lets us see the activity of the brain. During the assessment, we would have your child play a few games while we scan their brain.
• MRI Scan (1.5 hours): MRI is another non-invasive and safe scan that takes pictures of the brain. During the scan, your child can sleep or watch a movie.
• Clinical tests of spinal cord and mobility (1.5 hours)

Compensation

$50 per assessment visit, totaling up to $300

Have questions or would like to participate?

Contact our lab at (402) 249-9465 or email us at power@boystown.org.