Paediatric Research Group Overview
The Paediatric Research Group investigates the determinants and impact of physical disability on the growing child with a disability. Due to the paucity of appropriate measures of physical function in childrenthe current research program has centred around the development and evaluation of measurement tools that can be used to measure outcome in children with motor dysfunction.
Clinical research projects involve the validation of tools such as the TUG test; the Uptimer; the efficacy of Botulinum Toxin A on the physical function of young children with cerebral palsy; the predictors of tethered cord syndrome in children with spina bifida; the outcome of a functional strength and endurance training program; the outcome of baclofen therapy in children with cerebral palsy.
Collaboration with departments within the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH)such as Child Development and RehabilitationOccupational TherapySpeech PathologyOrthopaedics and the Gait Laboratory have been able to secure a large theme-based grant through the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. (MCRI). Multi-centre trials with respect to Baclofen Therapy and functional strength and endurance training in children with cerebral palsy are currently in the planning stages.
Team Members
Affiliates and Collaborations
- Department of Physiotherapy
- Department of Child Development and Rehabilitation and Plastic Surgery
- The Hugh Williamson Gait Laboratory
- Royal Children’s Hospital
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