CP is associated with high muscle tension and stiffness, which can cause decreased range of motion of an individual’s muscles. Preventing or reversing muscle tension is essential for people with cerebral palsy to engage with the world around them. This grant tests the effectiveness of certain drugs to repair this stiffness. Initial Observations Core Questions […]
Muscle stiffness in cerebral palsy has been associated with an increase in collagen in the space between muscle cells. If collagenase injections reduce stiffness, the need for surgical intervention to achieve the same outcome may be reduced. Core Question Post Research Results Research Team
Children and adults with CP might use a wheelchair, gait-trainer, or other weight-bearing device to aid in mobility. Such an aid is generally referred to as a “supported mobility device” (SMD). Families, patients, and rehabilitation teams decide whether or not to use a SMD and if so, which one to choose. This decision-making process is […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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
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
