Current Environment:

Boston Children's is known for pioneering some of the most effective surgeries, diagnostic procedures, and other essential techniques for treating diseases, including cerebral palsy. A significant part of our success comes from our commitment to research, innovation, and clinical trials. Our investigators are currently researching many different aspects of CP, including:

  • Boston Children's and the Motional Analysis Lab at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital are investigating an innovative in-shoe device that can help monitor toe-walking, which can increase a child's risk of falling.
  • Boston Children's researchers are validating the PEDI-CAT for children and adolescents with CP. The PEDI-CAT is an outcome tool that uses artificial intelligence to measure the impact and improvement of function on daily performance before and after surgical and non-surgical interventions.
  • The Clinical Program Neuromuscular Excellence and Teamwork (CPNEXT) study tracks the function, pain, and quality of life outcomes for children and teenagers with CP to better understand how interventions impact outcomes over time.
  • Experts in the F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center and Translational Neuroscience Center are investigating the role of genetic abnormalities, brain injury, recurrent seizures, mitochondrial disorders, and other factors in CP.

  • The Cerebral Palsy and Spasticity Center at Boston Children’s collaborates with the Cerebral Palsy Research Network (CPRN). The Cerebral Palsy Research Network is comprised of doctors, therapists, and patient advocates who collaborate to improve treatments and outcomes for CP patients.

To find clinical trials at Boston Children's Hospital, visit clinicaltrials.gov and search for "Boston Children's Hospital" and your child's condition.