CP Muscle-Movement Toolbox: Expand early detection of cerebral palsy (2017–2020)
Abstract:
The Fellowship will investigate novel muscle ultrasound and wearable sensor movement technology to enhance early diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP) and qualify distribution, severity, and functional outcomes. CP is the most common physical disability of childhood
and despite the early brain injury, infants are frequently not diagnosed until two-years of age, even later in families in remote areas. The mobile device CP Muscle-Movement Toolbox will expand on current brain MRI and clinical assessments for early detection of CP and enable clinical data collection, analysis and sharing for comprehensive paediatric medical management. Early diagnosis of CP, at three months utilising new techniques, will enable referral to
early intervention and surveillance programs for musculoskeletal comorbidities at a time of maximum brain and muscle remodelling capability, to lower physical disability. From the child and family¿s perspective, receiving a diagnosis of CP streamlines rehabilitation funding provision and maximizes opportunities for appropriate physical, learning and social support to be in place for the child¿s transition to schooling. The embedded clinical research collaboration with Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, the primary end-user, has a comprehensive plan for translation of research findings and technical development into clinical care of children with CP across Queensland via telehealth networks.
Grant type:
Advance Queensland Research Fellowships
Funded by:
Queensland Government Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
