Researchers from Queen Margaret’s University, Edinburgh, University of Gloucestershire and Brunel University, London, were recently awarded an Action Medical Research grant to investigate the feasibility of carrying out a larger study looking at the effects of RaceRunning on the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and mobility in these children moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy. Before starting a large study, it is important to find out if participants enjoy RaceRunning and are therefore likely to complete the study. Cardiometabolic risk factors and mobility will be measured at 12 and 24 weeks and these initial results will help researchers to design a larger, more comprehensive study. If RaceRunning is able to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, this could have a major effect on the health of children with cerebral palsy throughout their lives. Improvements in mobility may also positively affect children’s quality of life and independence.

For more information about this grant, please go to: https://www.action.org.uk/our-research/cerebral-palsy-can-regular-exercise-improve-health-and-mobility or contact the research team: Dr Marietta Van Der Linden ([email protected]) or Dr Nicola Theis ([email protected]).