Children and adults with spastic cerebral palsy frequently have reduced ability to move joints individually. Motor control function originates in the brain. The pathways are present at birth but continue to develop after birth. Understanding how motor control develops in infancy and how it may be altered in infants with cerebral palsy is important to […]

Spastic muscles of individuals with CP are usually smaller, stiffer and weaker. Recent research has shown that muscle preservation therapies and enhancement are important. Compare muscle quality before and after receiving Botox, Selective Dorsal Rhizotomies, orthopedic surgery, or no treatment. Core Question Rachel L DiFazio, PhD RN PPCNP-BC FAAN; Judith Ann Vessey, PhD MBA RN FAAN; […]

Most common post-operative complications for CP patients are respiratory, surgical site and urinary tract infections. Core Questions Research Team

Identification of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit patients at highest risk for cerebral palsy early in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit stay can allow for earlier, targeted rehabilitation services starting when the brain is most highly plastic and rapidly developing. Initial Observations Core Questions Research Team

Patients, caregivers and parents are not always satisfied with the outcome of a recommended therapy or surgery because the expectations of doctors, patients, caregivers and parents differ. Initial Observations Core Questions Research Team

Muscle stiffness and contractures are a main concern in cerebral palsy, as they limit mobility. The cause of muscle stiffness is not known. Initial Hypothesis Core Questions Research Team

In addition to funding two traditional seed research grants in 2020, the Foundation funded (provided) a one-time $15,000 local community grant. The local grant aided Ohio families taking care of cerebral palsy persons for whom the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant economic impact. This grant was administered by Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Individuals with CP often struggle to develop motor skills, especially in their arms. Helping those individuals develop these skills will encourage them to enjoy life with their friends and families. This grant examines a new therapy approach to train these skills in a tele-health setting. Initial Observations Core Questions Post Research Results The research was […]

Children with CP can find it difficult to connect with physical therapy, especially if they have coexisting disorders like autism spectrum disorder. Hippotherapy, or physical therapy on horsebacks, can be an interactive way for children with CP to gain motor skills. This grant studies the effectiveness of hippotherapy on CP and ASD.  Initial Observations Core […]

Preterm babies are at greater risk for cerebral palsy. Administration of magnesium sulfate has a preventative effect on preterm labor. Magnesium affects production of microRNAs which are critical for the development of the cells that make myelin/white matter in the brain. If patients with or at risk for cerebral palsy have different microRNAs than healthy […]