Understanding Movement in Cerebral Palsy
Dynamic Imaging of Cerebral Palsy Gait
This project aims to better understand how brain and spinal cord changes affect walking and leg movements in young people and adults with cerebral palsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Father Flanagan's Boys' Home NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boys Town, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167633 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that cerebral palsy, caused by a brain injury around birth, often leads to lifelong challenges with movement. Current treatments focus on the brain's role in planning and executing leg movements, but we still have gaps in understanding how specific brain and spinal cord activity impacts walking. Our previous work using advanced brain imaging showed that brain differences are important for how people with CP move their legs and process sensations. We also found that the spinal cord's structure can be affected in individuals with CP. This project will further explore how these brain and spinal cord changes influence the ability to control leg movements while walking.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for youth and adults, aged 12 and older, who live with cerebral palsy and experience challenges with their leg movements and walking.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have cerebral palsy or significant mobility challenges related to their condition may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective treatments for improving mobility and walking abilities for individuals with cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous brain imaging and MRI studies have provided initial insights into brain and spinal cord differences in individuals with cerebral palsy, laying the groundwork for this advanced investigation.
Where this research is happening
Boys Town, United States
- Father Flanagan's Boys' Home — Boys Town, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kurz, Max J — Father Flanagan's Boys' Home
- Study coordinator: Kurz, Max J
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.