Our Research Themes

Generating new knowledge through targeted studies

The CRE team will build on their strong track records in undertaking Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) of interventions for infants and children with CP and their families to commence world class trials.

CRE members have undertaken many of the largest RCTs internationally in upper limb rehabilitation, prevention of hip displacement, pharmacology to reduce spasticity and early interventions (developmental care for infants born <30 weeks). Our strong track records in epidemiological studies and population-based cohort studies will enable development of international trials.

Our links to the CP registers will enable us to test the changes in outcomes for children with CP identified earlier, who received neuroprotectants and earlier brain based rehabilitation.

Several new rehabilitation interventions have been developed and feasibility tested ready for multisite trials across the CRE including:

  • REACH (Rehabilitation Early for Congenital Hemiplegia),
  • GAME (Goal directed Active Motor training with Environmental enrichment for bilateral CP), and
  • PACT (Parenting Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).

Further new interventions for neuroprotection, rehabilitation in neonatal stroke, pain management, and enhanced participation with motivational training are being developed and/or pilot tested and competitive funding sought to conduct multisite RCTs.

Our current research plans and themes are outlined below:

  1. Epidemiology, Pre-Clinical & Neuroprotection
  2. Early Detection & Neuroimaging
  3. Clinical Trials
  4. Knowledge Translation & Implementation
  5. Engagement & Health Policy