Welcome to the CPA Research Institute Newsletter, May 2025 edition.
Our aim is to provide people with short monthly summaries of completed research led by CPA and CPA colleagues, as well as international highlights in cerebral palsy research.
If you have any suggestions/feedback for this newsletter or questions for the researchers, please contact us here.
Clinical Evidence of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Cerebral Palsy: Scoping Review with Meta-Analysis of Efficacy in Gross Motor Outcomes
Authors: Madison C B Paton, Alexandra R Griffin, Remy Blatch-Williams, Annabel Webb, Frances Verter, Pedro S Couto, Alexey Bersenev, Russell C Dale, Himanshu Popat, Iona Novak, Megan Finch-Edmondson
This scoping review looked at mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) for people with cerebral palsy (CP) and included a meta-analysis of gross motor outcomes. 1292 people were treated across 40 studies. But understanding the next necessary research directions remains challenging as current data remains heterogenous. For example, variability exists in characteristics of the participants, the MSC dose, source, and route of administration. This review did however confirm that MSCs are safe and may improve gross motor function, but it remains uncertain who may respond best to MSC treatment and if treatment improves other outcomes of interest. More high quality and unified research is needed to progress MSCs as a treatment for CP. Find out more here.
Active Start Active Future: Feasibility of a Behaviour-Change Intervention to Reduce Sedentary Behaviour and Promote Physical Activity in Young Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Sarah E Reedman, Gaela M Kilgour, Sjaan Gomersall, Leanne Sakzewski, Stewart G Trost, Roslyn N Boyd
Compared to typically developing children, young children with cerebral palsy are less likely to participate in physical activity and spend more time in their day sedentary. This study explored whether the Active Start Active Future intervention could reduce sedentary behaviour and promote physical activity in 12 children with cerebral palsy and their families. The intervention was found to be enjoyable, acceptable by the parents interviewed, and feasible to complete for children with different levels of support needs and physical activity preferences in the community and at home. More research is required to progress forward with these promising findings. Find out more here.
Socioeconomic Disadvantage, Residential Remoteness and Access to Specialised Interventions in Cerebral Palsy: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Simon P. Paget, Kirsty Stewart, Lisa Copeland, Emma Waight, Nadine Smith, Felicity Baker, Jennifer Lewis and on behalf of the Australian Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy Research Group and Australian Paediatric Intrathecal Baclo-fen Research Group
Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) and selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) are available to eligible families. However, it is unknown whether family factors impact access to these interventions. This study of children with cerebral palsy from the Australian SDR Research Registry and Australian ITB Audit study investigated whether socioeconomic disadvantage and/or geographical remoteness impact access to these interventions. The study did find that access to specialised interventions may be influenced by geographical remoteness and socioeconomic disadvantage. Equity of access is important to monitor, and interventions should be considered to reduce inequity. Find out more here.
Vaccination and its social and behavioural drivers in children with disability in Fiji
Authors: Israt Jahan, Unise Vakaloloma, Sureni Perera, Ilisapeci Tuibeqa, Rachel Devi, Litiana Volavola, William May, Donald Wilson, Lanieta Tuimabu, Rosalie Power, Susan Woolfenden, Margie Danchin, Sarah McIntyre, Hayley Smithers-Sheedy, Nadia Badawi, Kristine Macartney, Gulam Khandaker, Meru Sheel
198 children and their caregivers were recruited and 55% were fully vaccinated against all vaccines provided under the National Immunisation Program, well below the national level. Study findings highlight the need for equitable access to vaccines for children with disability who are vulnerable to infection from vaccine-preventable diseases. Policies and response plans should emphasise inclusiveness and assist children with disabilities to overcome access barriers within existing vaccination programmes. This work is on-going. Find out more here.
Immunization status of children with cerebral palsy: A cross-sectional hospital-based study in Vietnam
Authors: Thi Hong Hanh Khuc, Tasneem Karim, Minh Chau Cao, Thi Van Anh Nguyen, Thi Huong Giang Nguyen, Quang Dung Trinh, Rachael Dossetor, Van Bang Nguyen, Nadia Badawi, Lal Rawal, Gulam Khandaker, Elizabeth Jane Elliott
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Vietnam are less likely to be fully vaccinated compared to other children. Our study found that 17% of children with CP missed some routine vaccines, with lower vaccination rates linked to younger age, living in poor conditions, or having severe CP. These findings highlight the need for targeted efforts to improve vaccine access and coverage for children with CP, especially those living in disadvantaged conditions. Find out more here.
A Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial of Hand Arm Bimanual Intensive Training Including Lower Extremity (HABIT-ILE) for Children with Bilateral Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Leanne Sakzewski, Yannick Bleyenheuft, Iona Novak, Catherine Elliott, Sarah Reedman, Catherine Morgan, Kerstin Pannek, Natalie Dos Santos, Ashleigh Hines, Sherilyn Nolan, Robert S Ware, Roslyn N Boyd
Hand Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including the Lower Extremity (HABIT-ILE) is a goal-directed intensive group intervention for children with cerebral palsy (CP). It’s delivered as a day camp, where repetitive guided practice is supported to promote learning of motor skills. In this randomized controlled trial, 90 Australian children with CP aged 6-16 years participated. HABIT-ILE was delivered over two weeks (total of 65 hours) and compared to usual care. HABIT-ILE led to better improvements in children’s ability to use their hands, mobility, self-care, and goal performance, but not gross motor function. Future research will explore the characteristics of children who made meaningful improvements after participating in HABIT-ILE. 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.
