Understanding how infants at high risk for cerebral palsy learn to move
Locomotor learning in infants at high risk for cerebral palsy
This study is looking at how babies who might be at risk for cerebral palsy learn to move during their first 18 months, using cool sensors and robots to see how they crawl and walk, with the hope of finding ways to help them move better and avoid future challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10810707 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how infants who are at high risk for developing cerebral palsy learn to move during their first 18 months of life. By using advanced wearable sensors and robotic technology, the study will track and analyze the movement patterns of these infants in their natural environments. The goal is to identify effective motor training strategies that can help improve their mobility and reduce the risk of physical disabilities associated with cerebral palsy. The research will focus on three key stages of locomotor development: spontaneous movement, crawling, and walking.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants identified as being at high risk for cerebral palsy, particularly those under 4 months of age.
Not a fit: Infants who are not at high risk for cerebral palsy or those older than 4 months may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new interventions that enhance motor learning in infants at risk for cerebral palsy, potentially improving their mobility and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using sensor technology to study motor development, but this specific approach focusing on high-risk infants is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Children's Hosp of Philadelphia — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prosser, Laura Anne — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Prosser, Laura Anne
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 below.