Two researchers from Cerebral Palsy Alliance have received grants in the latest round of funding from the Medical Research Fund
Dr Sarah Reedman, an Implementation Fellow at CPA, will conduct a randomised trial to test whether frame running improves health outcomes. Frame running is an adaptive sport using modified three-wheeled frames that allows people with cerebral palsy increased mobility.
Pilot programs of the benefits of frame running has shown that the sport increases fitness, muscle volume and social outcomes, and Reedman’s ‘Run4Health’ study will recruit 90 participants between the ages of eight and 21 to test if it also leads to better health outcomes and quality of life.
The project will primarily be conducted out of The University of Queensland’s Child Health Research Centre, with involvement from The University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre and Curtin University.
Dr Redman will present new research on the benefits of Frame Running at the ATSA Expo, Melbourne on May 24.
Dr Madison Paton, an expert on stem cells, is chief investigator on a four-year, project to establish a world-first treatment for new born brain injury in vulnerable preterm babies using stem cells grown from umbilical cord blood (UCB).
The project will closely involve people with cerebral palsy and their families to help inform what researchers are doing in the lab. As well as her scientific expertise, Paton will engage the CP community through CPA’s Stem Cell Reference Group to provide meaningful discussion and advice on the research as it progresses towards clinical trial.