Objective Cerebral palsy (CP) is caused by lesions to the developing brain, and has a prevalence of 2/1000 live births. It has significant implications for participation in many areas of society (e.g. employment), and impaired hand motor function plays an important role. Research on effects of intervention is needed to optimise treatment, with the goal to improve integration of individuals with CP into society. For a complete understanding, it is necessary to study intervention effects on different levels (motor func tion, anatomical brain structure, brain activation patterns, integrity of sensory-motor circuits). This requires a combination of techniques in a multidisciplinary setting. In children, no such study has been performed to date. We will study a group of chi ldren with congenital hemiplegic CP who will receive intensive upper limb training (Constraint Induced Movement Therapy), and assessments before and after training.We hypothesise that (i) intervention will lead to improved hand motor function; (ii) interve ntion will be associated with changes in brain re-organisation; (iii) motor function and re-organisation will be associated with location/extent of lesions. We will test these hypotheses by using modern tools for assessment of motor function in combination with new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques (including Diffusion Tensor Imaging and functional MRI), and neurophysiology tools (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). The results of this study will (i) provide new insights in mechanisms of the brain `s response to early injury and intervention later in life; (ii) lead to better integration of individuals with CP into society; (iii) lead to social/economic benefits on a Community level. For the applicant, participation in this study will be an importan t step in her research career with the ultimate goal of leading an internationally competitive group with the focus on investigation of brain structure-function relationships after early brain lesions. Fields of science medical and health sciencesbasic medicinepathologyengineering and technologymedical engineeringdiagnostic imagingmagnetic resonance imagingsocial scienceseconomics and businessbusiness and managementemployment Keywords Cerebral palsy Functional brain imaging Movement disorders Neurophysiology Programme(s) FP6-MOBILITY - Human resources and Mobility in the specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration "Structuring the European Research Area" under the Sixth Framework Programme 2002-2006 Topic(s) MOBILITY-2.1 - Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowships (EIF) Call for proposal FP6-2004-MOBILITY-5 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme EIF - Marie Curie actions-Intra-European Fellowships Coordinator KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET Address Nobels vg5 Stockholm Sweden See on map Links Website Opens in new window EU contribution € 0,00
