Research

Dr. Nia Mensah's research centers on advancing equitable physical therapy practices and innovative movement interventions for children with developmental disabilities, particularly those with cerebral palsy (CP). Her work focuses on understanding how motor impairments, especially in non-ambulatory children and those classified at GMFCS levels IV and V, impact cognitive, social, and physical development. She is committed to designing interventions that not only promote motor function but also foster exploration, engagement, and participation across the lifespan. Her research incorporates technology-assisted strategies to expand access and improve outcomes in underserved populations. At the University of Colorado, Dr. Mensah is leading a cross-sectional physical activity (PA) study that evaluates PA levels, heart rate response, and perceived exertion in children with CP using wearable devices such as the Actigraph GT9X and Fitbit monitors. This study captures multidimensional data across a range of functional levels to better understand real-world activity engagement. Her goal is to identify accessible, scalable ways to measure and promote physical activity in children with disabilities, inform intervention strategies, and contribute to evidence-based clinical guidelines for promoting lifelong participation in movement.