Exploring how ride-on mobility devices can improve balance and movement in children with cerebral palsy
Official title: Biomechanical Changes Underpinning Stand-on Ride-on Power Mobility Devices for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Funded at University of North Florida · NIH-10849964 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special ride-on mobility devices can help young children with cerebral palsy improve their balance and strength while also making it easier for them to move around and play with others.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jacksonville, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $141,804 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD114548-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10849964 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 4 to 6 years with cerebral palsy who experience difficulties with walking and balance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 6 years or those without mobility challenges related to cerebral palsy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of adapted stand-on ride-on power mobility devices (PMDs) on children with cerebral palsy, focusing on their ability to improve balance and lower extremity strength. Over a three-month period, a small group of children aged 4 to 6 will use these devices to enhance their mobility and social interactions. The study aims to identify the biomechanical changes that occur with the use of these devices, which could lead to better interventions for improving physical function and quality of life. By understanding these changes, the research hopes to provide insights into how mobility devices can support children's development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mobility and social participation for children with cerebral palsy, enhancing their overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been limited case reports on the use of ride-on PMDs, this research aims to provide a more systematic investigation into their biomechanical effects, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cesar, Guilherme Manna — University of North Florida
- Study coordinator: Cesar, Guilherme Manna
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Measuring how kids with cerebral palsy adapt their walking
A study to understand how children with cerebral palsy learn and adjust walking, and how personalized feedback during walking might improve their mobility.
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Precise measure of how CP affects movement to guide treatment
Aims to create precise, child-friendly ways to measure selective motor control in cerebral palsy so treatment can be tailored to each child.
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Non-invasive spinal stimulation to help kids with cerebral palsy move and reduce stiffness
This study tests a non-invasive spinal stimulation plus treadmill training to reduce spasticity and improve walking in children with cerebral palsy.
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Physiologic marker to predict cerebral palsy early in high-risk babies
Aims to create an early, easy screen using NICU vital signs to flag infants at higher risk for cerebral palsy so families can get timely follow-up.
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Post-surgical foot deformities in adults with cerebral palsy: understanding long-term function
This research looks at how hindfoot problems in adults with cerebral palsy behave over time after childhood surgeries and what factors influence their lasting function.
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Dynamic Brain Imaging of Cerebral Palsy Gait
This project uses advanced brain and spinal imaging to understand how cerebral palsy affects the way young people plan and control their leg movements during walking.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.