Identifying early signs of crawling and walking in infants with Down syndrome
Official title: Moving Forward: Early Predictors of Crawling and Walking in Infants with DS
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11069077 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at what helps babies with Down syndrome learn to crawl and walk, so we can create better support for them as they grow.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $78,328 |
| NIH project number | 1F32HD117600-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11069077 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants diagnosed with Down syndrome who are under 11 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Down syndrome or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the early predictors of motor skill development, specifically crawling and walking, in infants with Down syndrome (DS). By using established clinical assessments and exploring new measures, the study aims to identify factors that influence when these infants achieve key motor milestones. The goal is to tailor rehabilitation interventions based on individual needs, ultimately improving developmental outcomes. The research also addresses the challenges of resource limitations in providing support for these infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier interventions that enhance motor skill development in infants with Down syndrome, positively impacting their overall growth and cognitive abilities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully identified predictors of motor skill development in other populations, suggesting potential applicability to infants with Down syndrome, although this specific approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Collimore, Ashley — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Collimore, Ashley
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.