Understanding physical therapy needs after surgery in children with cerebral palsy
Official title: Capturing and characterizing the variability in physical therapy dose after orthopedic multi-level surgery in ambulatory children with Cerebral Palsy
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-10809965 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different kinds and amounts of physical therapy help children with cerebral palsy recover their walking ability after surgery, so we can find the best ways to support their healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $180,635 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD111717-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10809965 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are ambulatory children aged 0-11 years who have cerebral palsy and are scheduled to undergo orthopedic multi-level surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not ambulatory or those who do not require orthopedic multi-level surgery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different types and frequencies of physical therapy (PT) are provided to children with cerebral palsy (CP) after they undergo orthopedic multi-level surgery. The study aims to gather data on the variations in PT practices across different settings and how these practices relate to the recovery of walking ability six months post-surgery. By evaluating sixteen children before and after their surgery, the research will utilize electronic health records and surveys to capture detailed information about the therapy they receive. This information could help establish best practices for post-surgical rehabilitation in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved physical therapy protocols that enhance recovery outcomes for children with cerebral palsy after surgery.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited evidence on post-surgical PT best practices for this specific population, similar studies have shown the importance of tailored rehabilitation approaches in improving outcomes for children with disabilities.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bailes, Amy — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Bailes, Amy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Comparing two physical therapy approaches for young children with cerebral palsy
This study is looking at how two different types of physical therapy can help young children, ages 8 to 24 months, who have or are at risk for cerebral palsy, with one therapy focusing on play and problem-solving skills and the other on improving motor skills, all in the comfort of their homes.
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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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mHealth tool to boost physical therapy outcomes for adults with musculoskeletal pain
A mobile health app is being tested to help adults in physical therapy stay on track with home exercises and improve pain and function.
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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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Improving back-pain care in rural areas with tele-physical therapy
This project tests a tele-rehabilitation program to help adults with chronic low back pain in rural communities access physical therapy and reduce opioid use.
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.