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Welcome to our Institute Newsletter, October and November 2025 edition.
Our aim is to provide people with completed research led by CPA, our colleagues and international highlights.
This special edition also covers two very important recent CPA updates!
If you have any suggestions/feedback for this newsletter or questions for the researchers, please contact us here.
Cerebral Palsy Alliance Celebrates its 80th Anniversary!
On the 11th of November, CPA celebrated its 80th anniversary. The event was held at The Museum of Contemporary Art in the evening and attended by many in all levels and areas of the organisation, both past and present. The evening was hosted by David Campbell and celebrated the many highlights of our history, while recognising a few rough patches and looking to the future.
The speakers on the night included (but was not limited too), Rob White, Nadia Badawi, Margaret Beazley (the Governor of NSW), Natasha Garrity, Sally Loane and the McLeod family. Elly-May Barnes and her brother also provided some light entertainment along with a small string group part way through the night. A fantastic time was had by all with overwhelmingly positive vibes.
Celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities
To celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Georgie Henry and Prof Nadia Badawi were featured in a special profile by Women in Global Health Australia. Georgie is a Senior Research Assistant at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute and Nadia is the Chair of Cerebral Palsy Research at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.
Their conversation highlights the importance of lived experience, inclusive leadership, and the ongoing work to improve outcomes for people with cerebral palsy and their families. This year’s theme, “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” is reflected in their stories and their advocacy.
Read more about Georgie and Nadia’s stories here.
Early Detection of Cerebral Palsy Among a High-Risk Cohort in Bangladesh
Authors: Tasneem Karim, Anna Te Velde, Annabel Webb, Catherine Morgan, Nadia Badawi, Iona Novak, Saifuddin Ahmed, Shafiul Islam, Iskander Hossain, Nazrul Islam, Mohammad Muhit, Gulam Khandaker
This study explored how accurately early detection tools could detect cerebral palsy (CP) in high-risk infants. A total of 227 newborns were recruited from a regional tertiary hospital neonatal intensive care unit in Bangladesh. They were followed up at various time points, using a range of assessments to confirm diagnosis of CP and identify the most accurate tools for early detection of those with CP. This study demonstrated that an accurate diagnosis was possible as early as three months of age using the best practice tools. It incorporates remote assessments, supporting their use as practical alternatives when in-person assessments are not feasible, thereby improving access to timely diagnosis in low resource settings. Find out more here.
Concurrent Validity and Inter-Rater Reliability of the Motor Optimality Score-Revised in a Neonatal Surgical Population
Authors: Cathryn Crowle, Michelle Jackman, Carly Luke, Annabel Webb, Michelle Juarez, Larissa Korostenski, Katya Zawada, Remy Blatch-Williams, Catherine Morgan
The Motor Optimality Score-Revised (MOS-R) helps check how babies move at around 3 months, which can reveal early signs of developmental challenges. This study looked at 209 infants who had major surgery soon after birth. Experts watched videos of each baby and scored their movements using the MOS-R, then compared these scores with other developmental tools. They found the MOS-R gave consistent results between different assessors and was helpful for spotting motor concerns. However, it didn’t always match other tools because each measures different things. The authors recommend using the MOS-R alongside other assessments for the best picture of a baby’s development. Find out more here.
Confident and Trustworthy Model for Fidgety Movement Classification
Authors: Romero Morais, Thao Minh Le, Truyen Tran, Caroline Alexander, Natasha Amery, Catherine Morgan, Alicia Spittle, Vuong Le, Nadia Badawi, Alison Salt, Jane Valentine, Catherine Elliott, Elizabeth M Hurrion, Paul A Dawson, Svetha Venkatesh
This study introduces a new computer model to help detect cerebral palsy early by analysing babies’ movements. Between the ages of 3–5 months, typically developing infants show “fidgety movements”. If these are missing, it may strongly signal the presence of cerebral palsy (CP). Current automated tools may misclassify movements because they don’t know when they’re unsure. This new model uses artificial intelligence to not only classify movements but also pause when uncertain, instead of making an assessment anyways, thereby potentially reducing errors. It balances accuracy across different movement types and focuses on the most confident predictions. This approach could make early screening more reliable and accessible, supporting timely intervention for infants at risk of cerebral palsy.
Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy in neonatal encephalopathy: current consensus position and future opportunities
Authors: Abbot Laptook, Aisling A Garvey, Caroline Adams, Patricia Ellen Grant, Eleanor J Molloy, Floris Groenendaal, Lauren C Weeke, Manon Benders, Misun Hwang, Mohamed El-Dib, Nadia Badawi, Nicola J Robertson, Raymand Pang, Sudhin Thayyil, Terrie Inder, Ted Carl Kejlberg Andelius, Kasper Jacobsen Kyng; Neonatal MRI group; Brain, Development, and Imaging section of the European Society of Pediatric Research (ESPR).
This paper explains how advanced brain scans can help babies with neonatal encephalopathy—a condition that can lead to cerebral palsy and other lifelong conditions. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) shows detailed pictures of the brain, while MRS (magnetic resonance spectroscopy) looks at brain chemicals. Together, they help doctors understand the extent of injury and predict future development more accurately. These tools can guide treatment decisions and give families clearer information early on. The authors call for standard protocols and new research to make these scans even more useful in improving care and outcomes for impacted newborns.
Muscle and bone growth in the lower legs of typically developing children and ambulant children with cerebral palsy: a mixed longitudinal study
Authors: Bart Bolsterlee, Brian V Y Chow, Suzanne Davies, Catherine Morgan, Caroline D Rae, David I Warton, Iona Novak, Ann Lancaster, Gordana C Popovic, Mahsa Seydi, Claudia Y Rizzo, Iain K Ball, Robert D Herbert
This study explored how muscles and bones grow in the lower legs of children with cerebral palsy (CP) compared to typically developing children. Researchers followed 252 children aged 5–18 years, including 66 with CP, using imaging scans (MRI – magnetic resonance imaging) over several years. They found that children with CP had much slower muscle growth—about 40% less—and slightly slower bone growth than their peers. Muscle growth was reduced at all ages and didn’t depend on the severity of CP. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring growth and using targeted therapies to support muscle development and mobility in children with CP. Find out more here.
Have we [fully] untapped the potential of allied health in the Australian healthcare system?
Authors: Sarah Dennis, Elise Baker, Leanne Hassett, Steven J Kamper, Bronwyn Morris-Donovan, Gillian Nisbet, Iona Novak, Trudy Rebbeck, Andrew Baillie
This article explores the role of allied health professionals—such as physiotherapists, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists—in Australia’s healthcare system. A decade ago, they were called an “untapped resource.” Today, while progress has been made with new leadership roles and strategies, allied health is still underused. These professionals improve outcomes and reduce costs, yet funding and policy often prioritize medical care. The authors argue that to fully unlock allied health’s potential, Australia needs better workforce planning, fair funding, and integrated policies. This would ensure people, including those with cerebral palsy, receive timely, coordinated and comprehensive healthcare services.
cpThrive: A Story of Development
Authors: DanaKai Bradford, Michelle Jackman, Alex Griffin, Jessica Marie Bugeja, Remy Blatch-Williams, Karin Lind, Maria McNamara, Joel Flude, Catherine Morgan, Jennifer Wilson, Iona Novak
Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood and is a lifelong stable condition. People with cerebral palsy, and their families, often face challenges around finding safe and effective treatments that match their priorities. This project brought together people with lived experience of cerebral palsy, clinicians, software developers, and researchers to co-design a mobile health (mHealth) app. The app helps families make informed decisions around the treatments that may be right for them. It offers two ways to find treatment information in the form of factsheets and videos; a step-by-step guide and a search function. It provides support resources and aims to simplify choices and empower evidence-based, personalized care. The app will be freely available worldwide in the near future. Find out more here.
Genetic diagnostic yield by MRI pattern in children with cerebral palsy: a population-based study
Authors: Jesia G Berry, Ajay Taranath, Robert Goetti, Michelle A Farrar, Simona Fiori, Huy-Dat Pham, Murthy N Mittinty, Mark A Corbett, Lyle J Palmer, Dani L Fornarino, Kelly Harper, Catherine S Gibson, Shaneen J Leishman, Shona C Goldsmith, Sarah J McIntyre, Alicia Montgomerie, Rhiannon M Pilkington, John W Lynch, Remo N Russo, Michael C Fahey, Jurgen Fripp, Roslyn N Boyd, Margaret J Wright, James E Rice, Mary-Clare Waugh, Alastair H MacLennan, Jozef Gecz, Clare L van Eyk
This research looked at how brain MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) patterns relate to finding a genetic cause for cerebral palsy (CP). 331 children with CP were studied using MRI and genetic testing. Overall, 24% had a genetic diagnosis. Children whose MRI showed no clear injury or appeared normal were two to three times more likely to have a genetic cause than those with injury patterns. However, genetic causes were found across all MRI types, even when injury was present. The study shows MRI can be used as a guide for decision making about genetic testing, helping families and clinicians better understand CP and plan personalized care. Find out more here.
Research studies and clinical trials are a vital way to identify breakthroughs and advancements in the treatment and prevention of cerebral palsy.
