Take Part in Research

CP-AGE is now recruiting!

The CP Adolescent Growth Evaluation study (CP-AGE) is a 5-year project that will examine walking related function in young people with CP as they go through their teenage growth spurt. Divided over three main parts, Dr Colm Daly and the CP-AGE team will explore factors which predict walking related decline during the peak adolescent growth phase. This will be achieved by:

Examining data from existing databases (CRC Gait Lab, CPIPS Scotland and CPUP Sweden),

Taking repeated measurements over 3-4 years from 120 young people with CP, starting when they are aged 10-12. These measures will include quality of life and gait related questionnaires, alongside clinical, gross motor and gait measurements.

Using our findings to provide a basis to focus group discussion with key stakeholders from the disability healthcare sector to identify areas for improvement and development.

We are now inviting any parent/guardian of young people interested in being part of CP-AGE to register. So, if you know someone who:

Has a diagnosis of CP

And

Can walk with or without aids (i.e. GMFCS levels I, II or III)

And

Is aged 10, 11 or 12

Please ask them to go to cpageproject.eu for more information and register their interest here

The MOBILE study is now recruiting!

The MOBILE study, a feasibility study of a motor learning intervention for lower extremities, is now recruiting participants through Enable Ireland Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNT). This study is being undertaken by Caitríona O’Shaughnessy as part of her professional doctorate with RCSI.  

 

Caitríona is a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist working in Enable Ireland in Meath and has a keen interest in exploring new therapy options for children with Cerebral Palsy. The MOBILE therapy is an intensive therapy program that targets the learning of motor skills to improve walking related goals that are individualised to each participant.  

 

Caitríona is looking to recruit 14 children/ young people aged 6 to 17 who have a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy who can walk with or without a mobility aid (GMFCS levels I-III), and who have a walking related goal they would like to target in an intensive block of therapy (30 hours total over 6 weeks).  

 

To be eligible for this study the child/young person must be linked with a CDNT that is led by Enable Ireland in Wicklow, Kildare, Dublin, Meath, Cavan or Kilkenny. They also must have capacity to follow instruction and have a parent or caregiver who is able to support a home program. 

 

A child or young person will not be eligible if they: 

  • Have had surgery within 6 months or botox/baclofen within 3 months of therapy start date 
  • Has a dual diagnosis that impacts ability to follow instruction 
  • Has a significant cognitive impairment 

For more information or to request an information leaflet you can email Caitríona on caitrionaoshaug22@rcsi.ie or contact the study’s gatekeeper, Lorna on 0858782271 to express your interest.