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.
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.
And in this letter.
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 information
Feldenkrais Method®
Sept 5, 2025
Gisella Warmenhoven is a practitioner and Assistant Trainer in the Feldenkrais Method®, in Nelson.
She is working on her thesis and needs to work with two new clients for 5 sessions.
Gisella is looking for two children under the age of 12.
These lessons will be free of charge and held at your home.
For more information:
Email: awareness.through.movement@gmail.com
Go to: www.feldenkrais.org.nz
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