Using serotonin treatments to improve motor function in children with cerebral palsy
Official title: Serotonin Based Therapeutics in Cerebral Palsy
Funded at University of Rhode Island · NIH-10900684 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain chemical called serotonin impacts movement in children with spastic cerebral palsy, and it aims to find new ways to help improve their muscle function and mobility by blocking certain serotonin signals during a key growth period.
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 start | August 8, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $604,891 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS132728-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10900684 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy, particularly those experiencing muscle stiffness and weakness.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-spastic forms of cerebral palsy or those whose condition is not primarily related to serotonin activity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how serotonin affects motor function in children with cerebral palsy, particularly focusing on spastic cerebral palsy, which causes muscle stiffness and weakness. The study aims to block serotonin receptors during a critical developmental period to restore normal motor neuron activity and improve muscle function. By using a larger animal model, researchers will explore the effects of these treatments on motor unit function and overall mobility. The goal is to identify new therapeutic approaches that could alleviate symptoms associated with cerebral palsy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve motor function and quality of life for children with cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using serotonin modulation to improve motor function in animal models, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Quinlan, Katharina Ann — University of Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Quinlan, Katharina Ann
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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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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.
-
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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Physiologic marker to predict cerebral palsy early in high-risk babies
Aims to create an early, easy screen using NICU vital signs to flag infants at higher risk for cerebral palsy so families can get timely follow-up.
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Post-surgical foot deformities in adults with cerebral palsy: understanding long-term function
This research looks at how hindfoot problems in adults with cerebral palsy behave over time after childhood surgeries and what factors influence their lasting function.
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Dynamic Brain Imaging of Cerebral Palsy Gait
This project uses advanced brain and spinal imaging to understand how cerebral palsy affects the way young people plan and control their leg movements during walking.
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.