Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Washington received a $383,200 Project Grant award from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) under the Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.865), effective June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2028. This research project will systematically evaluate the effects of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) intensity on gait biomechanics in children with cerebral palsy. The deliverables include quantified data on gait kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity responses to varying stimulation intensities, as well as evidence-based guidelines for optimizing stimulation parameters that integrate biomechanical, clinical, and patient preference perspectives.

The project will produce two primary research products: (1) empirical findings from structured treadmill and overground walking trials conducted with 20 ambulatory children with bilateral cerebral palsy across two visits to assess sensitivity and repeatability of gait responses, and (2) comparative analysis and clinical guidelines developed through interdisciplinary assessment involving patient preference data, clinician video-based gait ratings, and focus group input from individuals with cerebral palsy and clinical specialists. These deliverables will address the current gap in standardized methods for determining optimal tSCS intensity and support the translation of this non-invasive intervention into clinical practice for improving motor function and quality of life in pediatric cerebral palsy populations.