Participate

Robo-WalkerClinical trials are vital for advancing treatments for cerebral palsy (CP), brain injury, and stroke, offering participants access to innovative therapies that may not yet be available to the general public. Hundreds of studies are actively recruiting, ranging from groundbreaking stem cell infusions to advanced robotic rehabilitation.
Why Participate in a Clinical Trial?
Participating in research provides benefits for both individual health and the broader medical community:
  • Access to Cutting-Edge Care: Gain access to new medications, neurostimulation techniques, or specialized therapies before they are widely released.
  • Expert Monitoring: Receive close health monitoring from specialized research teams, including doctors and therapists who are leaders in their fields.
  • Advancing Medical Science: Your participation helps researchers understand which treatments are safest and most effective, potentially establishing new standards of care for future patients.
  • No-Cost Treatment: Many trials provide the study intervention, related medical exams, and sometimes travel reimbursement at no cost to the participant.

Current Research Areas

Modern trials focus on diverse approaches across the lifespan:
  • Regenerative Medicine: Studies are investigating umbilical cord blood and bone marrow stem cell infusions to repair brain tissue in both children and young adults up to age 26.
  • Neuromodulation & Technology: Researchers are testing non-invasive brain stimulation (tDCS) and deep brain stimulators (DBS) to improve movement and speech.
  • Advanced Rehabilitation: Trials are exploring robotic-assisted therapy and “Action Observation” training to enhance motor skills and independence.
  • Lifestyle & Behavior: New studies use wearable technology and behavioral coaching to help individuals with CP increase daily physical activity.

How to Find the Right Study

Trials have specific “eligibility criteria” based on age, type of injury (e.g., perinatal stroke vs. adult brain injury), and current physical abilities. To find a study that fits your needs:
  1. Consult Your Doctor: Discuss potential risks and benefits with your current healthcare provider to ensure a trial is appropriate for your medical history.
  2. Search the ClinicalTrials.gov Database: Use specific terms like “Cerebral Palsy,” “Ischemic Stroke,” or “Traumatic Brain Injury” and filter by location and recruitment status.
  3. Check Specialized Research Centers: Organizations like the International Alliance for Pediatric Stroke and the NICHD offer resources specifically for childhood brain injuries