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Home › Conditions › Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy

Part of Encephalopathy

18 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Cerebral Palsy

75 trials tracked for Cerebral Palsy: 12 in phase 3 or 4 and 2 with published results. The most-cited published study has 42 citations.

75Trials tracked
12Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
2With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 2 Phase 3 10 Phase 2 6 Phase 1 6 Other / NA 51
  1. Phase 3 Clinical Study to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of NT 201 Compared to Placebo in the Treatment of Chronic Troublesome Drooling Associated With Neurological Disorders and/or Intellectual Disability Completed · 42 cited
  2. Phase 3 Dose-response Study of Efficacy and Safety of Botulinum Toxin Type A to Treat Spasticity of the Arm(s) or of Arm(s) and Leg(s) in Cerebral Palsy Completed · 19 cited
  3. Phase 4 A Pilot Study of Dexmedetomidine-Propofol in Children Undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging Completed
  4. Phase 4 Peri-operative Use of a Pain Injection in Pediatric Patients With Cerebral Palsy Completed
  5. Phase 3 Dysport® Pediatric Lower Limb Spasticity Study Completed
  6. Phase 3 Dysport® Pediatric Lower Limb Spasticity Follow-on Study Completed
Show 44 more trials
  1. Phase 3 BOTOX® Treatment in Pediatric Lower Limb Spasticity Completed
  2. Phase 3 BOTOX® Treatment in Pediatric Upper Limb Spasticity Completed
  3. Phase 3 BOTOX® Open-Label Treatment in Pediatric Upper Limb Spasticity Completed
  4. Phase 3 BOTOX® Open-Label Treatment in Pediatric Lower Limb Spasticity Completed
  5. Phase 3 Effect of Dysport Injections on Energy Expenditure and Walking Efficiency in Children With Cerebral Palsy Completed
  6. Phase 3 Safety and Efficacy Study of Oral Glycopyrrolate Liquid for the Treatment of Pathologic (Chronic Moderate to Severe) Drooling in Pediatric Patients 3 to 18 Years of Age With Cerebral Palsy or Other Neurologic Conditions Completed
  7. Phase 2 Endermotherapy for Children With Developmental Disabilities Completed
  8. Phase 2 Safety and Effectiveness of Banked Cord Blood or Bone Marrow Stem Cells in Children With Cerebral Palsy (CP). Completed
  9. Phase 2 Effect of Power Wheelchairs on the Development and Function of Young Children With Severe Physical Disabilities Completed
  10. Phase 2 A Study of UCB and MSCs in Children With CP: ACCeNT-CP Completed
  11. Phase 2 P300 Brain Computer Interface Keyboard to Operate Assistive Technology Completed
  12. Phase 2 A Randomized Study of Autologous Umbilical Cord Blood Reinfusion in Children With Cerebral Palsy Completed
  13. Phase 1 Telehealth Virtual Reality Gaming on Cardiometabolic Health Among Youth With Cerebral Palsy Completed
  14. Phase 1 Development of a Robotic Ankle Assist Device Completed
  15. Phase 1 Testing an Adjustable Ankle Orthosis During Walking in Cerebral Palsy Completed
  16. Phase 1 Piloting Movement-to-Music With Arm-based Sprint-Intensity Interval Training Among Children With Physical Disabilities Completed
  17. Phase 1 Evaluating Wearable Robotic Assistance on Gait Completed
  18. Phase 1 Extending taVNS Paired With Infant CIMT Into a Home-Based Setting Completed
  19. N/A Respiratory Exacerbation Plans for Action and Care Transitions for Children With Severe CP Completed
  20. N/A Early Powered Mobility for Toddlers With Cerebral Palsy Using the Permobil® Explorer Mini and a Modified Ride-On Car Completed
  21. N/A Study Assessing High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) in Preventing Pulmonary Exacerbations Completed
  22. N/A Evaluation of Project TEAM (Teens Making Environmental and Activity Modifications) Completed
  23. N/A Intelligent and Adaptive Control Applied to Powered Walkers Completed
  24. N/A Physical and Social Benefits of Multi-Player Interactive Computer Play Games in Youth With Cerebral Palsy Completed
  25. N/A Constraint-induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) and Bimanual Training (HABIT) in Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy Completed
  26. N/A A Pilot Study of Hand Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy Undergoing Intensive Neurophysiological Rehabilitation Completed
  27. N/A Clinical Utility of Pediatric Whole Exome Sequencing Completed
  28. N/A Cerebral Palsy Early Mobility Training Completed
  29. N/A SmarToyGym: Smart Detection of Atypical Toy-oriented Actions in At-risk Infants Completed
  30. N/A Orthotics in Ambulatory Cerebral Palsy Completed
  31. N/A Intensive Unimanual (CIMT) and Bimanual Training (HABIT) in Children With Hemiplegia Completed
  32. N/A Use of Low Cost Prostheses to Improve Upper Extremity Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy Completed
  33. N/A Effects of Hippotherapy on Physical Fitness and Attention in Cerebral Palsy Completed
  34. N/A Managing Post-operative Pain in Children With Cerebral Palsy Using a Pain Pump Completed
  35. N/A Precision Gait Retraining for Children With Cerebral Palsy Completed
  36. N/A Therapeutic Dance Intervention for Children With Cerebral Palsy Completed
  37. N/A Effect of Trunk Stabilization Exercises on Quality of Life and Communication in Cerebral Palsy Completed
  38. N/A Seating System for Scoliosis in Non-ambulatory Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Completed
  39. N/A Dynamic Gait Index in Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy Completed
  40. N/A The TOBY Children Study Completed
  41. N/A Quantifying Patient-Specific Changes in Neuromuscular Control in Cerebral Palsy Completed
  42. N/A A Study of Neurophysiologically Based Occupational Therapy Intervention (NBOTI) for Feeding in the NCCU. Completed
  43. N/A Allogenic Umbilical Cord Blood and Erythropoietin Combination Therapy for Cerebral Palsy Completed
  44. N/A NEO Rehab Program for Premature Infants at Risk for Cerebral Palsy Completed

Showing the 50 most-cited and recently-updated of 75 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

What the trials found Updated — new results For clinicians

Cerebral Palsy: what the trials found

Botulinum toxin type A (including incobotulinumtoxinA, NT 201, Dysport) is established for reducing spasticity in cerebral palsy. In lower limb, botulinum toxin type A significantly improved Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) scores in the gastrocnemius-soleus complex at the ankle (p=0.0029) 15 and ankle score with knee extended (p=0.010) 13, with corresponding improvements in Physician's Global Assessment (p<0.0001) 15 and Clinical Global Impression (p=0.023) 13. In upper limb, incobotulinumtoxinA 8 U/kg significantly improved Ashworth Scale in the primary clinical target pattern at week 4 (p=0.017) 8, and botulinum toxin type A significantly improved mean MAS score for all injected upper limb muscle groups 14. However, some secondary outcomes like Investigator's GICS (p=0.34) 8 and CGI (p=0.155) 12 did not reach significance, indicating mixed evidence on global impression measures.

For sialorrhea (drooling) in cerebral palsy, NT 201 (botulinum toxin type A) significantly reduced unstimulated salivary flow rate at week 4 (p=0.0012) and weeks 8 and 12 (p<0.0001) compared to placebo, and improved Global Impression of Change Scale as assessed by carer/parent at week 4 (p=0.032) 7. Oral glycopyrrolate liquid is also established for this indication 16.

For post-operative pain, ropivacaine injection showed lower pain scores (1.0 vs 2.4) compared to control 5. Dexmedetomidine bolus with high infusion and propofol has been studied 6.

Adverse events: In phase 3 trials, botulinum toxin type A was associated with treatment-emergent adverse events in 58.7% 10 and 65.4% 11 of participants.

Recent results — preliminary, needs further review

  • Sprint-intensity interval training with telecoaching showed changes in lean tissue percentage (0.81 vs -0.21) and fat tissue percentage (-0.23 vs 1.72) in a phase 1 trial 1.
  • Sensorimotor intervention was investigated in a small phase N/A trial (N=11) 2.
  • Therapeutic dance was explored in a phase N/A trial (N=9) 3.
  • Varying levels of harness support during walking were studied in a phase N/A trial (N=34) 4.

For the clinician treating this condition

  • Botulinum toxin type A is effective for focal spasticity in both upper and lower limbs, with consistent improvements on objective scales like MAS, though global impression measures may not always reach significance.
  • NT 201 is effective for sialorrhea, reducing salivary flow and improving carer/parent-rated global impression.
  • Ropivacaine injection can reduce post-operative pain scores.
  • Recent small trials on sprint-interval training, sensorimotor intervention, therapeutic dance, and harness support are preliminary and require further confirmation.

AI synthesis of 15 cited trials, updated Jun 27, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
Botulinum toxin type A effectively manages sialorrhea in pediatric and adult neurological disorders
Neurology Sys. Review
Botulinum toxin type A effectively manages sialorrhea in pediatric and adult neurological disorders Botulinum toxin helps manage drooling in neurological conditions
This narrative review examines the use of botulinum toxin type A for managing sialorrhea in patients with cerebral palsy and Parkinson's dis…
Newer insights show how botulinum toxin can help children and adults with neurological disorders manage excessive drooling.
Frontiers Jul 17, 2026
Cryptogenic cerebral palsy cases show 2.21 risk ratio of pathogenic genomic findings compared to non-cryptogenic
Neurology Meta-analysis
Cryptogenic cerebral palsy cases show 2.21 risk ratio of pathogenic genomic findings compared to non-cryptogenic Genomic Testing Reveals Genetic Cause in 1 in 8 Cerebral Palsy Cases
This meta-analysis of 7 studies involving 1,885 individuals found a higher frequency of pathogenic or likely pathogenic genomic findings in …
Genomic testing found a genetic cause in 12.6% of non-cryptogenic cerebral palsy cases, and 32.3% of cryptogenic cases.
Frontiers Jul 16, 2026
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation reduces motor overflow in focal dystonia and improves stroke and cerebral palsy outcomes
Neurology Meta-analysis
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation reduces motor overflow in focal dystonia and improves stroke and cerebral palsy outcomes TMS Treatment Shows Potential for Reducing Motor Overflow
This systematic review evaluates the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on various neurological conditions including stroke,…
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation may help reduce involuntary movements in patients with focal hand dystonia and other neurological conditio…
Frontiers Jun 26, 2026
TMS electrophysiological biomarkers show distinct patterns across ADHD, Tourette syndrome, MDD, ASD, and CP
Pediatrics Meta-analysis
TMS electrophysiological biomarkers show distinct patterns across ADHD, Tourette syndrome, MDD, ASD, and CP Brain scans help identify ADHD and other childhood neurological disorders
This meta-analysis of 26 studies synthesized TMS electrophysiological biomarkers in children and adolescents with neurological disorders. Th…
New research shows that magnetic pulses can reveal specific brain patterns in children with ADHD, Tourette syndrome, and autism.
Jun 20, 2026
Systematic review and meta-analysis shows dual-task training improves motor function in cerebral palsy children
Neurology Meta-analysis
Systematic review and meta-analysis shows dual-task training improves motor function in cerebral palsy children Dual-task training improves balance and mobility in cerebral palsy
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated dual-task training versus conventional rehabilitation in 582 children with cerebral palsy…
A new analysis finds that dual-task training may help children with cerebral palsy improve balance, walking, and motor skills better than st…
Frontiers May 28, 2026
Review finds clinic-based measures correlate with school performance in cerebral palsy
Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Review finds clinic-based measures correlate with school performance in cerebral palsy Broader measures link better to school performance in children with cerebral palsy
This review of 102 ambulatory children with cerebral palsy found that clinic-based measures, especially the PODCI, correlate with school per…
A review of 102 ambulatory children with cerebral palsy found that broader functional measures correlated more strongly with school performa…
medRxiv Apr 28, 2026
Review of music therapy for motor, speech, and cognitive impairments in stroke, Parkinson's, and cerebral palsy
Neurology Sys. Review
Review of music therapy for motor, speech, and cognitive impairments in stroke, Parkinson's, and cerebral palsy Music therapy may help improve motor, speech, and cognitive function in neurological conditions
This narrative review examines the role of music therapy for patients with stroke, Parkinson's disease, or cerebral palsy.
A review suggests music therapy might improve motor, speech, and cognitive impairments for people with stroke, Parkinson's disease, or cereb…
Frontiers Apr 22, 2026
Meta-analysis links speech features to severity in Parkinsons, cerebral palsy, and ALS
Neurology Meta-analysis
Meta-analysis links speech features to severity in Parkinsons, cerebral palsy, and ALS Speech patterns may help track disease severity in Parkinsons and other conditions
This meta-analysis synthesizes evidence from 890 speakers across 5 languages to evaluate a training-free method for assessing speech degrada…
A new computer method tracks Parkinson's and other disease severity by measuring how specific speech sounds change without needing special t…
medRxiv Apr 19, 2026
Cerebral palsy characteristics and genetic etiology in 9,756 patients from US CPRN sites
Pediatrics Cohort
Cerebral palsy characteristics and genetic etiology in 9,756 patients from US CPRN sites Study describes movement and genetic findings in thousands of cerebral palsy patients
This cohort study of 9,756 children and adults with clinician-confirmed cerebral palsy from 22 CPRN sites in the United States describes bas…
A large US study of nearly 10,000 cerebral palsy patients found that Black individuals face greater motor impairment compared to White peers…
medRxiv Apr 18, 2026
Systematic review evaluates SDR, ITB, DBS, and other interventions for functional outcomes in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy
Physical Medicine & Rehab Sys. Review
Systematic review evaluates SDR, ITB, DBS, and other interventions for functional outcomes in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy New Surgical Options Are Changing What's Possible for Kids With Cerebral Palsy
This systematic review examined various surgical and neuromodulation interventions for ambulatory children with cerebral palsy, including th…
New surgical and device treatments can reduce movement problems and improve quality of life for children and adults with cerebral palsy.
Frontiers Apr 16, 2026
Retrospective cohort study links prenatal and neonatal factors to cPVL in preterm infants
Pediatrics Cohort
Retrospective cohort study links prenatal and neonatal factors to cPVL in preterm infants Could early brain monitoring help predict severe brain injury in premature babies?
This retrospective cohort study examined 46 preterm infants to assess the association between various clinical parameters and cerebral periv…
A study found that early brain blood flow measurements link to severe brain injury in premature babies, offering potential clues for future …
Frontiers Apr 16, 2026
Expert ratings of dystonia severity correlate with functional impact in children with cerebral palsy
Neurology
Expert ratings of dystonia severity correlate with functional impact in children with cerebral palsy Expert video ratings linked dystonia severity to function in 27 children with cerebral palsy
This observational study reviewed videos from 27 children with cerebral palsy assessed by pediatric movement disorder specialists.
When experts rated dystonia as more severe in children with cerebral palsy, the kids showed greater difficulty walking and using their hands…
medRxiv Apr 15, 2026

Research across Encephalopathy

Related studies from across the Encephalopathy family.

First case report links zonisamide to homicidal ideation in epilepsy patient
Psychiatry Sys. Review
First case report links zonisamide to homicidal ideation in epilepsy patient First case report links zonisamide to homicidal thoughts in an epilepsy patient
A case report and literature review describes a patient with epilepsy who developed homicidal ideation during zonisamide uptitration. Sympto…
A patient developed homicidal thoughts after taking zonisamide. This rare case highlights a serious psychiatric side effect of the drug that…
Frontiers Jun 1, 2026
Risk-stratified aeromedical certification protocol assessed in 22 military pilots with cerebral cavernous malformations
Primary Care & Family Medicine Cohort
Risk-stratified aeromedical certification protocol assessed in 22 military pilots with cerebral cavernous malformations Military pilots with brain lesions were assessed for flight safety under a new protocol
This retrospective cohort study evaluated a risk-stratified aeromedical certification protocol in 22 military pilots with cerebral cavernous…
Military pilots with stable brain lesions were cleared to fly without restrictions after a personalized safety review found no neurological …
Frontiers Apr 16, 2026

Questions about Cerebral Palsy

How do prenatal and neonatal factors affect the risk of cerebral periventricular leukomalacia in preterm infants?

Prenatal infections, low gestational age, and neonatal factors like low cerebral blood flow and oxygen levels increase the risk of cystic periventricular leukomalacia (cPVL) in preterm infants, which can lead to cerebral palsy.

Full answer →
Which surgical or neuromodulation options are best for functional outcomes in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy?

For ambulatory children with cerebral palsy, selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is often considered best for spastic diplegia, while deep brain stimulation (DBS) helps dystonia; intrathecal baclofen (ITB) and peripheral neurectomies are other options. Choice depends on individual s

Full answer →
What genetic factors are linked to the specific characteristics of cerebral palsy in children?

Genetic factors are linked to cerebral palsy characteristics, with 12.2% of patients in a large US registry having a genetic etiology, and genetic causes are associated with specific motor function levels and movement types.

Full answer →

All Cerebral Palsy Articles