Nationwide Community Grant (2020)
In addition to funding two traditional seed research grants in 2020, the Foundation funded (provided) a one-time $15,000 local community grant. The local grant aided Ohio families taking care of cereb…
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BI-UPCAT [BIlateral UPper-limb Children Action observation Training] for Children with Bilateral Cerebral Palsy (2020)
Individuals with CP often struggle to develop motor skills, especially in their arms. Helping those individuals develop these skills will encourage them to enjoy life with their friends and families. …
Upper Extremity Function, Activity, Participation and Engagement before and after Hippotherapy in Children with Co-Occurring Autism Spectrum Disorder and Cerebral Palsy (2020)
Children with CP can find it difficult to connect with physical therapy, especially if they have coexisting disorders like autism spectrum disorder. Hippotherapy, or physical therapy on horsebacks, ca…
MicroRNAs in Magnesium-Mediated Neuroprotection (2019)
Preterm babies are at greater risk for cerebral palsy. Administration of magnesium sulfate has a preventative effect on preterm labor. Magnesium affects production of microRNAs which are critical for …
Reversal of Aged Muscle Stem Cell Dysfunction in Contractured Muscle from Cerebral Palsy (2019)
CP is associated with high muscle tension and stiffness, which can cause decreased range of motion of an individual’s muscles. Preventing or reversing muscle tension is essential for people with cereb…
Use of Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum to Decrease Muscle Fiber Bundle Stiffness in Cerebral Palsy (2019)
Muscle stiffness in cerebral palsy has been associated with an increase in collagen in the space between muscle cells. If collagenase injections reduce stiffness, the need for surgical intervention…
Supported Mobility Across the Lifespan in Cerebral Palsy: Joint Decision Making (2018)
Children and adults with CP might use a wheelchair, gait-trainer, or other weight-bearing device to aid in mobility. Such an aid is generally referred to as a “supported mobility device” (SMD). Famili…
Muscle Stem Cell Dysfunction in Muscular Contractures in Children with Cerebral Palsy (2018)
This study evaluates the role of muscle stem cell dysfunction in the development of contractures in people with CP and its association with age and functionality. Muscle contractures are permanent sho…
Participation, Mobility, and Gait in Adults with Cerebral Palsy: Relationships with Childhood Factors (2018)
The goal of this longitudinal study is to investigate the changes in gait, mobility, and participation in adults with CP over a 20-year timespan. While significant work has been performed measuring ga…
Multimorbidity Risk Assessment and Prevention through Health-Promoting Behaviors in Adolescents and Adults with Cerebral Palsy (2017)
This study seeks to rigorously study the impacts of physical activity, sleep, and diet in preventing stroke and heart disease in patients with cerebral palsy. While such impacts are documented in the …
Development and Validation of Epigenetic Signatures for Dyskenetic and Ataxic CP by Evaluation of DNA Collected from Peripheral Blood Samples and Determinations of DNA Methylation Pattern Differences Among Genes Associated with CP Diagnosis (2017)
This study looked for biomarkers in the DNA of people with dyskenetic and ataxic CP with a goal to help in CP diagnosis. A previous study by the group found a DNA biomarker in people with spastic CP. …
Hypoxemia and White Matter Development in the Motor Outcomes of Extremely Preterm Infants (2017)
Researchers are non-invasively studying the brains of premature infants using advanced MRI techniques to determine the relationship between oxygen levels provided in the hospital and the impact on out…
Neuroplastic Adaptations of Swallowing and Speech in Cerebral Palsy: a 2-Center Study to Identify New Treatment Targets (2017)
Researchers are examining the relationship between swallowing and speech mechanisms at several physiological levels. A better knowledge of typical and atypical development of swallow and speech could …
Contralaterally Controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation and Hand Therapy Video Games for Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy (2016)
Individuals with CP often need to strengthen their muscles to participate in daily life. Few therapies help individuals strengthen their muscles on only one side. This grant seeks to develop a video g…
Patient Reported Outcomes in Cerebral Palsy (2016)
Appropriate treatment of CP requires that all symptoms of CP be addressed. This grant seeks to determine the nature of bladder-related symptoms individuals with CP face, in the hopes that one day thos…
Accessible Methodology to Quantitate General Movements Assessments in Infants at High Risk for Cerebral Palsy (2016)
The best diagnostic tool for CP in infants is difficult to use. Better diagnostic tools can diagnose earlier and easier, to intervene more effectively. This grant tests the ability of a pressure mat a…
The Effect of Intravenous ɛ- Aminocarproic Acid on Blood Loss and Transfusion Requirements after Bilateral Varus Rotational Osteotomy (VRO): A Prospective Double-blinded, Randomized Control Trial (2015)
VRO surgery (i.e., varus rotational osteotomy) is conducted on many cerebral palsy patients to maintain a level pelvis, a balanced spine, and mobile pain free hips. The purpose of this study was to de…
Linking Neuroplasticity With the Outcomes of Walking-Based Interventions: a Feasibility Trial Comparing a Motor Learning Versus a Strength-Based Program in Children with Cerebral Palsy (2015)
Researchers compared the effectiveness of two different approaches in helping a child with CP improve their gait: the strength-based approach verses the motor-based, or learning-based approach. This…
CP2: Community Partners for Children’s Participation – Pilot Project and Feasibility Study (2015)
The objective of this multi-site research was to identify the relationship between social deprivation, resources offered, and participation levels of children with CP. Then, based on these factors, in…
Development of ICF-based Multimedia Education Modules and their Impact on Mother’s Knowledge and Attitude towards their Children with Cerebral Palsy (2015)
The World Health Organization has created a universal framework for health (i.e., the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health or ICF). Using the ICF framework, this project …
Pilot Multi-center Evaluations of Reflex and Nonreflex changes in Cerebral Palsy Using a Portable Device (2014)
We must fully understand cerebral palsy (CP) symptoms to treat the disorder. Spastic hypertonia, a muscle impairment, prevents individuals from experiencing normal life. But it cannot be quantitativel…
Computed Tomography and Ultrasound Guided Cryoablation of the Salivary Glands in a Porcine Model (2014)
This research tested cryoablation to permanently resolve the drooling that so many people from cerebral palsy suffer from. Previously, temporary treatments produced dry-mouth side effects which can l…
Outcomes of Hip Interventions for Children with Cerebral Palsy – An International Multi-Centre Prospective Comparative Cohort Study (2013)
This research compared outcomes for patients with CP based on when and if they receive surgery for hip dislocation. Such surgery is very common for people with CP, and the timing of treatment is probl…
Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation Neuroprosthesis in Children with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy (2013)
Individuals with hemiplegic CP often use uncomfortable prosthetic devices that limit their mobility but help them retain balance. This grant test an alternative prosthetic that may be lower profile an…
Osteoporosis in Children with Cerebral Palsy (2013)
Treatments for low bone density in children with cerebral palsy (CP) are based on adult treatments. Better treatments will emerge when scientists study on their intended subjects. This grant examines …
Large Amplitude Training for Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Planning and Feasibility Study (2012)
This was a “Planning and Feasibility Study” investigating an approach that was previously successful in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) often have challen…
Effects of Transcranial Direct Cortical Stimulations in Cortical Plasticity and Motor Learning in Children with Cerebral Palsy (2012)
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Overview Individuals with CP can struggle to walk and learn on time with their peers. This grant seeks to test a new form of treatment that uses electrical stim…
Collaborative Study of Robotic Assisted Therapy in Children (2011)
This project involved robotically-assisted (repetitive) physical therapy to improve mobility of arms and hands in children with CP. A collaborative group included researchers from Blythedale Chi…
Learn from Every Patient at Every Visit: a Pilot Program for Children with Cerebral Palsy (2011)
The project “Learn from Every Patient” involved 1000 children with cerebral palsy to find the best treatments and apply new standards. The results of this project have been implemented at Nationwide …
Early Grant Recipients
Baclofen Pump Research Several research projects headed by Dr. Leland Albright, a pioneer in the use of the Baclofen Pump (ITB Therapy, or intrathecal baclofen therapy) which is a precise, targete…