Neuromuscular Disorders-Cerebral Palsy
Principal Investigator
Research Assistants
Surgical Outcomes
Focusing on the hips and lower extremities, our research involves prospective and retrospective studies examining surgical outcomes. The goal is to refine the surgical intervention and improve the results of orthopedic procedures within the cerebral palsy and neuromuscular disorder populations. Data are collected in the Center for Gait and Movement Analysis using 3-D instrumented gait analysis to examine movement performance and surgical outcomes.
Gait analyses (left) use 3-D motion capture technology to create 3-D models (right).
Cerebral Palsy Hip Outcomes Project
This international multicenter study aims to measure the effectiveness of different interventions for hip dysplasia and health-related quality of life in non-ambulatory children with cerebral palsy. This longitudinal cohort study compares treatment outcomes and rates of postoperative complications to optimize hip treatment in this population. (Clinical Trial.gov: NCT01987882)
Instrumented Movement Analysis
This prospective study seeks to validate and ultimately commercialize wearable technologies that quantify human movement. These findings will guide both research and clinical decision-making for patients with movement disorders, specifically cerebral palsy. IMove will be portable, unobtrusive, and easy to use - without lengthy setup or calibration. IMove will provide joint kinematics and gait metrics like those provided by instrumented gait analysis, to distinguish between unique gait patterns documented in cerebral palsy.
Cerebral Palsy Adult Transition Longitudinal Study
This prospective study examines walking ability and overall health status in young adults with cerebral palsy. The project includes a longitudinal study of walking performance and quality through instrumented gait analysis, and a cross-sectional study of the physical, metabolic, cognitive, and psychosocial status of a cohort of young adults with cerebral palsy. This information will demonstrate links between multiple impairments and activity limitations in this population to symptoms of premature aging and lower health status. (Clinical Trials.gov: NCT02137005)