Research opportunities
Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nikurangi is an exciting area of research, science, and clinical practice. Discoveries are being made all the time particularly when it comes to specific areas of living with CP, such as the difference between Level I and V.
The Cerebral Palsy Society regularly gets approached with research opportunities. This page is a place to learn about different studies that are on offer.
By getting involved in research, you’re helping create a more informed and clearer picture for people with CP across Aotearoa New Zealand, guiding advocacy and efforts towards change.
- If you are interested in learning more about the studies listed below, please contact the researcher directly.
- If you would like information about CP research in general, please contact Cerebral Palsy Society Researcher and Writer Amy Hogan amy@cpsociety.org.nz.
- Anyone interested in having their research featured on this page should contact Cerebral Palsy Society Researcher and Writer Amy Hogan amy@cpsociety.org.nz. Please supply an intro of no more than 200 words, a video or written document explaining your research, a suitable photo (or logos), and any other relevant documents.
December 10, 2025
Impact of Aging With Cerebral Palsy Study – (Inter)National Survey
The United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawai’i has embraced the humanitarian need to continue to research the effects of aging with cerebral palsy along with potential interventions to help.
Their study consists of seven questionnaires over three surveys investigating changes in physical skills, pain levels, adaptive skills, communication skills, medical/mental health needs, current concerns, and the need for resources.
The study is open to adults with cerebral palsy who are 20-years of age older and/or caregivers, if applicable.
The Impact of Aging with Cerebral Palsy—A Brief Summary (published at https://ucp.org/the-impact-of-aging-with-cerebral-palsy/)
Cerebral Palsy Is Not Just a Childhood Disorder—it has been reported that there are more adults with cerebral palsy than children!
While the damage that causes cerebral palsy is not progressive, adults with cerebral palsy often face a significant increase in spasticity, ataxia, athetosis, pain, social isolation, depression, anxiety, and more.
The information will be gathered, analysed and sent to all community agencies that work with people with disabilities, our legislature, and because this is now an international survey, all state Department of Health agencies as well as agencies from the countries of international respondents.
The link to the first survey is below. Surveys two and three will be sent as they receive each survey.
– More information on the aging with cerebral palsy study: https://ucpahawaii.org/aging/
– United Cerebral Palsy blog on the study: https://ucp.org/the-impact-of-aging-with-cerebral-palsy/
December 10, 2025
Assistive Technology Survey
Intopia invites you to take part in the Assistive Technology Survey 2025, a survey exploring how people across Australia and New Zealand use and experience assistive technology.
Intopia aims to understand:
- What assistive technologies and adaptive strategies people use
- Which devices and browsers are most popular
- What the online experience is like for assistive technology users.
Your input will help:
- Identify barriers to access and inclusion
- Inform policy and funding decisions
- Shape the design of future assistive technologies
Whether you use assistive technology yourself, or support someone who does, your voice matters. The survey is accessible, confidential and it is estimated to take around 15 to 25 minutes to complete.
The survey is open until 6 February 2025.
Start the Assistive Technology Survey 2025
Free gait training sessions
October 13, 2025 – updated December 12, 2025
Researchers at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute have concluded the first research phase of their anti-gravity treadmill project. Given the great progress some participants achieved, they have expanded their scope to offer the training free of charge to the community. Weekly sessions run at the Newmarket campus between 9am and 5:30pm. There are spaces for more participants.
The positive-pressure (“anti-gravity”) treadmill reduces body weight loading and makes walking easier and more efficient. The researchers see this as a complementary form of physical activity alongside existing therapy or exercise routines.
Watch this video to see how the treadmill works: https://youtu.be/R5vkpDBzIyk?si=7tfP4twIZkd_E_SR
For more information contact Pablo Ortega-Auriol, Research Fellow, Auckland Bioengineering Institute – p.ortegaauriol@auckland.ac.nz
* Clinicians who would like to visit and learn more about the sessions and services for their patients are more than welcome to get in touch.
More information
Understanding pain in people with Cerebral Palsy – adult interviews
September 12, 2025
Aayushi Khillan, an MD-PhD Student in Neurodisability Research at the University of Melbourne, is inviting young adults aged 25-35 years old with cerebral palsy (CP) to take part in a research study reflecting on their pain experiences during childhood.
This project aims to better understand how you might have experienced different types of pain, such as nerve-related pain or pain that doesn’t have an obvious cause in your childhood. We’re particularly interested in how these experiences might have affected your day-to-day life, sleep, and wellbeing. Your insights will help improve future pain support and care.
What’s involved?
The study involves a single interview roughly 60-90 minutes long, which will be done online via Zoom. We’ll talk about your experiences of pain growing up, how it felt as a child, how it has changed over time, and how it was and is being managed.
Participation is completely voluntary, and anything you share will be kept confidential. As a thank you, you’ll receive a $50 voucher after the interview.
For more information, email Aayushi Khillan aayushi.khillan@mcri.edu.au
CHESTI study – Help improve chest health in children with Cerebral Palsy
September 11, 2025
Children and young people with cerebral palsy often have chest health problems, like, noisy breathing, a rattly chest or difficulty coughing, swallowing or clearing mucus. This can lead to chest infections and hospital stays.
Rachel Knight Lozano, a Principal Investigator from the University of Plymouth in the UK, is looking for:
- People aged 8-25 years with cerebral palsy
- Parents or carers
- Health, social and educational professionals
- Researchers
to help agree on the most important ways to measure chest health in children and young people with cerebral palsy in a series of 3 short online surveys.
The most important measures will be recommended for use in clinical practice and in research studies.
There’s more information in this poster, in this letter and in this Facebook video.
Complete the survey
Children – An Optimised Ankle Foot Orthosis for Individuals with Cerebral Palsy
September 9, 2025
Sara Chami is a PhD Student at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland. As part of her research she is looking for children with movement disorders using AFO to help design an ankle-foot-orthosis.
The goal is to make the orthosis super comfy, and something that the child will love wearing whether they are sitting, walking, or playing with friends.
Participation involves an interview to find out about the child’s ideas for designing a new AFO and a scan of the child’s leg.
Then, the child will test out the new AFO by walking on a treadmill.
For more information email: Sara Chami schb998@aucklanduni.ac.nz or phone 022 183 1576.
More information
Adults – An Optimised Ankle Foot Orthosis for Individuals with Cerebral Palsy
September 9, 2025
Sara Chami is a PhD Student at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland. As part of her research she is looking for adults with movement disorders who are using ankle-foot orthosis.
Sara is designing a patient-specific modular 3D-printed Ankle Foot Orthosis with adjustable stiffness to improve the walking and functionality of individuals with movement disorders using AFOs.
Participation involves two visits to the Department of Exercise Sciences, The University of Auckland, building 907 Suiter St, Newmarket, Auckland, at a time that suits you.
Session 1 will be around 40 minutes and will involve an interview and a leg scan.
Session 2 will be around 2 to 3 hours and will involve wearing your personalized AFO on a treadmill and an interview.
For more information email: Sara Chami schb998@aucklanduni.ac.nz
More informationJoin Our Online Community
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