tSCS in Children and Young People With HCP

This work will examine if a technique called Transcutaneous Spinal cord stimulation (tSCS), when used with concurrent specific arm and hand exercises, helps improve arm and hand movements in CYP with HCP. Does Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (tSCS), when combined with specific arm and hand exercises, improve upper limb function in children and young people (CYP) with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy (HCP)? -To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (tSCS) combined with targeted arm and hand exercises in improving the upper limb function in children and young people with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy (HCP).

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that affects movement and posture due to brain development issues in babies or young children. Hemiplegic CP (HCP) is a condition where one side of the body is paralysed. Symptoms like stiffness in the arms and legs usually appear early and can make everyday tasks, such as reaching or holding objects difficult. Improving arm and hand function is crucial for increasing independence and quality of life for children with HCP. This study investigates a technique called Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (tSCS). tSCS uses sticky pads placed on the skin to deliver a mild electrical current. This current stimulates nerves to help them send signals to the muscles, potentially improving arm and hand movements. Research has demonstrated that tSCS can provide benefits in the lower limb for children and young people (CYP) with CP, those with spinal cord injuries and healthy individuals. In this project, we will test the feasibility and effectiveness of tSCS in 18 CYP (aged 12-21 years) with HCP. The participant will attend two sessions. Each session will last approximately 60-90 minutes and will include: * A Baseline Assessment (before training) * A 30-minute Upper Limb Task Training (ULTT) * One session will involve transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) combined with ULTT * One session will involve ULTT only (no stimulation) * The order is randomised, meaning participants do the stimulation session first or second * A Post-Training Assessment