Muscle Stem Cell Dysfunction in Muscular Contractures in Children with Cerebral Palsy (2018)


This study evaluates the role of muscle stem cell dysfunction in the development of contractures in people with CP and its association with age and functionality. Muscle contractures are permanent shortenings of a muscle seen in the tightest muscles of people with conditions like spastic cerebral palsy. Such contractures result in poor muscle growth that […]

Participation, Mobility, and Gait in Adults with Cerebral Palsy: Relationships with Childhood Factors (2018)


The goal of this longitudinal study is to investigate the changes in gait, mobility, and participation in adults with CP over a 20-year timespan. While significant work has been performed measuring gait outcomes in children with CP, few long-term studies have followed patients into adulthood. This research is a necessary next step toward providing the […]

Multimorbidity Risk Assessment and Prevention through Health-Promoting Behaviors in Adolescents and Adults with Cerebral Palsy (2017)


This study seeks to rigorously study the impacts of physical activity, sleep, and diet in preventing stroke and heart disease in patients with cerebral palsy. While such impacts are documented in the population that does not have disabilities, the population who has CP and other physical disabilities is not widely studied with respect to the […]

Development and Validation of Epigenetic Signatures for Dyskenetic and Ataxic CP by Evaluation of DNA Collected from Peripheral Blood Samples and Determinations of DNA Methylation Pattern Differences Among Genes Associated with CP Diagnosis (2017)


This study looked for biomarkers in the DNA of people with dyskenetic and ataxic CP with a goal to help in CP diagnosis. A previous study by the group found a DNA biomarker in people with spastic CP. This is important because early diagnosis of CP remains difficult; earlier diagnosis allows earlier interventions. Additionally, an […]

Hypoxemia and White Matter Development in the Motor Outcomes of Extremely Preterm Infants (2017)


Researchers are non-invasively studying the brains of premature infants using advanced MRI techniques to determine the relationship between oxygen levels provided in the hospital and the impact on outcome with respect to cerebral palsy. Although low levels of oxygen related to prematurity are known to cause damage to the brain, further damage could also be […]

Neuroplastic Adaptations of Swallowing and Speech in Cerebral Palsy: a 2-Center Study to Identify New Treatment Targets (2017)


Researchers are examining the relationship between swallowing and speech mechanisms at several physiological levels. A better knowledge of typical and atypical development of swallow and speech could lead to improved treatments for these functions in cerebral palsy, which have the potential to be life-changing and life-saving. Initial Observations Core Questions Research Team

Contralaterally Controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation and Hand Therapy Video Games for Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy (2016)


Individuals with CP often need to strengthen their muscles to participate in daily life. Few therapies help individuals strengthen their muscles on only one side. This grant seeks to develop a video game-based therapy that will help patients strengthen their muscles at home. Initial Observations Core Questions Research Team

Accessible Methodology to Quantitate General Movements Assessments in Infants at High Risk for Cerebral Palsy (2016)


The best diagnostic tool for CP in infants is difficult to use. Better diagnostic tools can diagnose earlier and easier, to intervene more effectively. This grant tests the ability of a pressure mat and video evaluations to be used as a diagnostic tool for CP.  Initial Observations Core Questions Research Team

The Effect of Intravenous ɛ- Aminocarproic Acid on Blood Loss and Transfusion Requirements after Bilateral Varus Rotational Osteotomy (VRO): A Prospective Double-blinded, Randomized Control Trial (2015)


VRO surgery (i.e., varus rotational osteotomy) is conducted on many cerebral palsy patients to maintain a level pelvis, a balanced spine, and mobile pain free hips. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the medication, EACA, can be effective in decreasing blood loss and the transfusion requirements after the surgery. The factors of […]