Improving fitness and health in children with physical disabilities through music and exercise.
Official title: Improving Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Cardiometabolic Health among Children with Physical Disabilities through Movement-to-Music Telehealth with Arm-based Sprint-Intensity Interval Training
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10831518 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $185,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD109358-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10831518 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years with physical disabilities, particularly those with conditions like cerebral palsy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have physical disabilities or are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lai, Byron — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Lai, Byron
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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.