Improving fitness and health in children with physical disabilities through music and exercise.

Improving Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Cardiometabolic Health among Children with Physical Disabilities through Movement-to-Music Telehealth with Arm-based Sprint-Intensity Interval Training

NIH-funded research University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10831518

This study is testing a fun online exercise program that uses music and short, energetic workouts to help kids with physical disabilities, like cerebral palsy, get fitter and healthier.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10831518 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiometabolic health in children with physical disabilities by using a telehealth program that combines movement-to-music with arm-based sprint-intensity interval training. The program is designed to be enjoyable and accessible, featuring pre-recorded videos with engaging music and themes that resonate with children. By leveraging telehealth, the project seeks to encourage regular participation in exercise among children who may have limited mobility, ultimately aiming to improve their overall health outcomes. The approach is tailored specifically for children with cerebral palsy and other functional impairments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years with physical disabilities, particularly those with conditions like cerebral palsy.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have physical disabilities or are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the cardiovascular health and quality of life for children with physical disabilities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using telehealth and exercise interventions for improving health outcomes in similar populations, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

Birmingham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.