Understanding brain changes in children with one-sided cerebral palsy
Official title: Multimodal Characterization of Cerebral Reorganization in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-10816887 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brains of children with unilateral cerebral palsy adapt, so we can better understand their unique challenges with using their affected hand and create personalized therapies to help them improve their hand function and daily activities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $330,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD114194-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10816887 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with unilateral cerebral palsy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with bilateral cerebral palsy or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain adapts in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP), a condition that affects movement and coordination due to brain injury. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to identify unique patterns of brain connectivity that relate to the challenges these children face in using their affected hand. The goal is to tailor therapies to each child's specific brain characteristics, potentially improving their hand function and overall participation in daily activities. This approach emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment based on individual brain reorganization.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective therapies that enhance hand function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using multimodal approaches to understand brain plasticity in children with movement disorders, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferre, Claudio Luis — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Ferre, Claudio Luis
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.
-
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.