Understanding Spinal Changes in Cerebral Palsy
Impairment of Spinal Development in Cerebral Palsy
This project explores how changes in the spinal cord contribute to muscle stiffness and exaggerated reflexes in children with cerebral palsy, and tests a gentle electrical stimulation to help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rhode Island NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kingston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11093543 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We believe that certain nerve signals in the spinal cord, called primary afferent depolarization (PAD), play a role in the muscle stiffness and overactive reflexes experienced by people with spastic cerebral palsy. Our past work suggests that pain-sensing nerves might be involved in these signals. This project will compare these nerve signals in people with and without cerebral palsy, as well as in a rabbit model that mimics the condition. We will also test if a gentle electrical stimulation, called TENS, can help reduce spasticity in both the rabbit model and in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is designed for individuals, particularly children aged 0-11, who have spastic cerebral palsy.
Not a fit: Patients without spastic cerebral palsy or those outside the specified age range may not directly benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to understand and treat muscle stiffness and exaggerated reflexes in individuals with cerebral palsy, potentially improving their movement and comfort.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon recent findings that suggest a link between pain-sensing nerves and spinal cord activity in cerebral palsy, indicating a foundation of prior successful observations.
Where this research is happening
Kingston, United States
- University of Rhode Island — Kingston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Quinlan, Katharina Ann — University of Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Quinlan, Katharina Ann
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.