Research
At Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, the world’s leading researchers and therapists work with children and adolescents leveraging technology and science targeted to their needs as they grow and develop.
EFFECTIVENESS OF ROBOTIC GAIT TRAINING FOR CHILDREN WITH CP Lokomat ® training is a robot-assisted walking therapy to help a child whose ability to walk has been impaired by stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury or neurological and orthopedic conditions. A computer controls the pace of walking and measures the body’s response to the movement. We believe that by controlling the repetitive walking pattern, we can help the brain and spinal cord work together to reroute signals that were interrupted by injury or illness. In addition to training the brain and spinal cord, robot-assisted walking therapy may help strengthen muscles and improve circulation. The weight-bearing nature of the exercise may also help strengthen bones at risk for osteoporosis due to lack of use. We are currently conducting a clinical trial to study the effectiveness of the Lokomat as a treatment. PURSUING A NON-SURGICAL CURE TO MUSCLE CONTRACTURE IN CHILDREN WITH CP CP is the most common motor-control disorder resulting from an injury to the developing brain of a child. Our goal is to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal abnormalities as early as possible. Children with CP often experience muscle contractures, which deform their joints, limit function and may be painful. Current treatments require arduous splinting and
We are studying the biology of muscle stem cells from children with CP. We have discovered that their muscles do not respond to common treatments because their stem cells are biologically unresponsive. Using a combination of drug screening and biology, we are developing a drug- based solution that activates muscle growth, relieving contractures. WALKING & CP We are analyzing patient gait before and after orthopedic interventions (such as tendon transfers and hip and knee surgeries). CLINICAL RESEARCH REGISTRY (CRR) The CRR is a collaborative effort between Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Northwestern University Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences and the University of Chicago. The mission of the CRR is to promote and support CP research, directly connecting researchers with people who have CP. Researchers studying CP submit their Institutional Review Board-approved study proposals to the CRR. Once approved by the CRR team, appropriate candidates are notfied about the study. We believe that by working together, families and researchers can make a difference in the lives of people affected by CP.
To learn more about our research studies and clinical trials, please visit sralab.org/clinical-trials
casting over months, injection of neurotoxins or, ultimately, surgery.
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