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.
Oral health tips for people with cerebral palsy
July 9, 2026
“We are Jaime, Liv, Ini, Meg, Izzy, and Jasem, a group of fifth and final-year students studying towards a Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the University of Otago Auckland Dental Clinic. As part of our curriculum, we were tasked with developing an educational resource that aims to help address oral health inequities within a population group in Aotearoa New Zealand. We chose to focus on individuals with cerebral palsy.”
The students have created a questionnaire to see what people who support someone with cerebral palsy already know about oral health and what their current practices are.
“Through extensive research, discussions with caregivers and healthcare professionals, and our own clinical knowledge, we developed an easy-to-read PDF resource to support caregivers and others involved in the care of individuals with cerebral palsy. Recognising that many caregivers have busy schedules, we also created a podcast with an accompanying video, allowing people to either listen on the go or sit down and watch at a time that suits them. Our goal was to create resources that are practical, accessible, and evidence-based, helping to improve oral health knowledge and support for individuals living with cerebral palsy.”
The students are keen to hear from any families or caregivers who would be interested in meeting over Zoom to discuss the resources.
“We’re hoping to gather more detailed feedback and opinions in addition to the survey that will accompany the resource.”
Email Jaime Hanrahan on hanja845@student.otago.ac.nz for more information.
- Amy Hogan, Cerebral Palsy Society of NZ
- Dr Karen Lansdown, School of Acute and Primary Health, Senior Lecturer Oral Health, Auckland University of Technology
- NZ CP Register, Starship Children’s Health
for their feedback on the development of this material.
Accessibility of national parks
June 22, 2026
Researchers from Massey University are investigating ways to make national parks more accessible. They would like to hear your experience and perceptions of the accessibility of national parks in Aotearoa New Zealand.
You can help by sharing your thoughts in their survey which will take 10-15 minutes to complete.
You can scan the QR code in their poster, or use the link below.
Complete the survey
Impact of Aging With Cerebral Palsy Study – (Inter)National Survey
December 10, 2025
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/
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.
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