Observing how infants learn to move

The Ontogeny of Fidgety Movements in Infants At High-Risk of Cerebral Palsy

Observational Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NCT06278961

This study is testing how babies move to see if it can help find signs of cerebral palsy earlier, and it's for infants who are healthy as well as those at risk for the condition.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment350 (estimated)
Ages10 Weeks to 20 Weeks
SexAll
SponsorAnn & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT06278961 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to enhance the early detection of neurodevelopmental impairments, particularly cerebral palsy (CP), by assessing the timing of the Prechtl General Movement Assessment (GMA) in infants. The study will recruit a total of 350 infants, including 100 healthy term-born infants and 250 at risk for CP, to evaluate their movement patterns using the Baby Moves app. Data will be collected across multiple research institutions, with a focus on standardizing the methodology and ensuring comprehensive data management through REDCap databases. Families will be recruited through various channels, including electronic medical records and social media, with an emphasis on minimizing in-person contact through electronic consent.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include full-term infants with typical development or those at risk for developing cerebral palsy due to various medical conditions.

Not a fit: Infants who are in DCFS custody or whose guardians do not have access to a smartphone may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved early detection of neurodevelopmental disorders in infants, allowing for timely interventions.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using observational assessments for early detection of neurodevelopmental issues, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Infants born full-term with typical development, bithweight \>2500g
* Infants with a history of brochopulmonary dysplasia, defined as having a preterm birth (\<33 weeks gestational age) and requiring supplemental oxygen beyond 36 weeks gestational age
* Infants with neonatal encephalopathy, who required hypothermic cooling treatment
* Infants born \<36 weeks gestational age
* Infants born in a multiple gestation pregnancy
* Infants with a diagnosis of Trisomy 21
* Infants born and diagnosed with SMA prenatally, via newborn screening assessment or prior to 10 weeks corrected age
* Infants are less than 10 weeks corrected age at time of enrollment

Exclusion Criteria:

* Children who are enrolled in DCFS custody
* Parent or infant guardian does not have a smartphone

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Infant DevelopmentCerebral PalsyMotor DisordersNeurological Disorderfidgety movementsgeneral movement assessmentcerebral palsy
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.