Understanding the energy costs of walking in children with cerebral palsy
Quantifying the energetic cost of support and stabilization during walking in children with cerebral palsy
This study looks at how walking uses energy in children with cerebral palsy, aiming to find out what makes it harder for them to walk so we can help them move better and enjoy their daily activities more.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10468872 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how walking affects children with cerebral palsy by measuring the energy they expend during this activity. Using a method called indirect calorimetry, the study will monitor oxygen and carbon dioxide levels to understand how much energy is required for walking. The goal is to identify the biomechanical factors that contribute to the increased energy costs in these children, which can help in developing better strategies for improving their mobility and daily living activities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with cerebral palsy or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions that reduce the energy required for walking in children with cerebral palsy, enhancing their mobility and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the biomechanics of walking can lead to successful interventions for improving mobility in children with disabilities.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steele, Katherine M — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Steele, Katherine M
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.