Current Studies
In the PoWER Lab, we are always recruiting new participants for our exciting research studies! To see if you can participate in one of our studies, please click on our “Currently Recruiting” tabs below!
Dynamic Imaging of Cerebral Palsy Gait
This study aims to investigate the neurophysiological (brain) differences between people with and without cerebral palsy while walking. During the study, we use brain imaging techniques like MRI, MEG, and EEG to explore these differences, and also perform clinical assessments at our physical therapy clinic (Center for Human Performance and Optimization).
Improving Activity in Individuals with Cerebral Palsy
The purpose of this study is to explore changes in the brain activity and mobility of individuals with cerebral palsy after engaging in virtual motivational coaching aimed at increasing physical activity. Participants will receive a Fitbit watch to track daily steps for 8 weeks (and keep!), during which motivational coaching will take place. Before and after those 8 weeks, participants will complete a series of brain imaging (MEG, MRI) and mobility assessments. 
Neuromodulation of the Spinal Cord
This study explores a therapeutic method called transcutaneous current stimulation (TSC), which safely stimulates the spinal cord using patches on the skin. The stimulation feels like bumping your funny bone. The goal is to understand how TSC affects brain and spinal activity and whether it can improve the ability to learn a movement task.
Igniting Mobility in Adolescents & Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy
This study aims to determine the magnitude of the mobility improvements seen in individuals with cerebral palsy after undergoing a novel gait training approach.
Neuromagnetic Signatures of Down Syndrome
This study aims to explore how the brain changes as adults with Down syndrome age. The focus is on developing biomarkers to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, which affects people with Down syndrome at a younger age and more frequently. Participants will perform simple tasks involving sight, movement, and touch while neuroimaging is used to assess brain activity. They will also complete tests to measure motor skills and cognitive abilities.
Improving Activity in Individuals with Cerebral Palsy
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11-45 year olds with cerebral palsy
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The purpose of this clinical trial is to measure the mobility improvements seen in individuals with cerebral palsy after undergoing a novel gait training approach. The amount of improvement seen after participating in therapy differs between individuals. This study is evaluating the differences in how the brain controls movement after undergoing physical therapy to better understand those differences. Individuals who do not have cerebral palsy will be used as a comparison group.
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Compensation: Up to $300 for pre and post assessments, 8 weeks of virtual motivational coaching with our team, and receiving a Fitbit to use during the study as well as keep after completed.
Eligibility: Must be between the ages of 11-45 and have cerebral palsy. You must be able to walk for at least 1 minute with or without an assistive walking device. Cannot have a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Dynamic Imaging of Cerebral Palsy Gait
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13–18 year olds with and without cerebral palsy
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This study aims to explore the neurophysiological differences experienced by participants with and without cerebral palsy during walking. In this study, we use different brain imaging techniques such as a MRI, MEG, and EEG to examine neurological (brain) differences. We also conduct clinical assessments at our physical therapy clinic (Center for Human Performance and Optimization).
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Compensation: up to $200, $50 per visit (MRI, clinical assessments, EEG, MEG), gas mileage reimbursement as well as other travel expenses
Eligibility: Are between the ages of 13-18 years old with or without Cerebral Palsy. Have no diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Do not have any metal in your head or mouth (i.e., permanent retainer or braces); some dental work may be acceptable if it is not magnetic. Can walk with/without an assistive device.
Neuromodulation of the Spinal Cord
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11-45 year olds with cerebral palsy
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This study uses a therapeutic method called transcutaneous current stimulation (TSC). TSC is a safe way to electrically stimulate the spinal cord through patches placed on the skin creates a signal in the body which feels which feels similar to bumping your funny bone. Our goal is to better understand transcutaneous current stimulation’s impact on brain and spinal activity and see if it improves an individual’s ability to learn a movement task.
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Compensation: up to $300, $50 per visit (MRI, MEG, intervention, and clinical assessments)
Eligibility: Are between the ages of 11-45 years old with cerebral palsy. Do not have any neurological or psychiatric disorders. Do not have any metal in your head or mouth (i.e., braces, permanent retainer, etc.)
Igniting Mobility in Adolescents & Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy
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11-45 year olds with cerebral palsy
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The purpose of this clinical trial is to measure the mobility improvements seen in individuals with cerebral palsy after undergoing a novel gait training approach. The amount of improvement seen after participating in therapy differs between individuals. This study is evaluating the differences in how the brain controls movement after undergoing physical therapy to better understand those differences. Individuals who do not have cerebral palsy will be used as a comparison group.
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Compensation: Up to $300 for pre and post assessments, 8 weeks of free physical therapy with our specialist team here at Boys Town, a free MRI scan of the brain, and transportation cost reimbursements.
Eligibility: Must be between the ages of 11-45 and have cerebral palsy. You must be able to walk for at least 1 minute with or without an assistive walking device. Cannot have a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Neuromagnetic Signatures of Down Syndrome
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5–64 year olds with Down syndrome
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The purpose of this study is to examine the changes in the brain as adults with Down syndrome get older. The project is directed at developing biomarkers for identifying the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease, which occurs at a younger age and more often in persons with Down syndrome. Participants will do simple visual, movement and tactile tasks while we use neuroimaging to evaluate how the brain is working. Participants also compete tests that assess motor skills and cognitive performance.
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Compensation: up to $200, $50 per visit (MRI, MEG, cognitive testing, and clinical assessments)
Eligibility: Are between the ages of 5-64 years old with Down syndrome. Do not have any neurological or psychiatric disorders. Do not have any metal in your head or mouth (i.e., braces, permanent retainer, etc.)