Genetic testing to help with cerebral palsy research
Research Centre: | The Australian Cerebral Palsy Research Group (ACPRG) |  |
Investigator(s): | Professor Alastair MacLennan | |
Location:This trial is being conducted throughout all of Australia. | ||
Purpose & Background
The Australian Cerebral Palsy Research Group (ACPRG) is seeking children and their mothers to participate in a clinical trial. ACPRG requires volunteers from two different groups:
- Children who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
- Children who do not have cerebral palsy.
1 in 500 babies born in Australia are diagnosed with cerebral palsy. People with cerebral palsy lack control of their movement and posture as a result of brain injury in the motor control region. The symptoms vary greatly in severity, ranging from poor muscle co-ordination to quadriplegia, and there is currently no cure.
Previous studies have shown a link between human genetics and cerebral palsy, however stronger family based evidence is now required. Participation is non-invasive and can be conducted in your own home. It only requires a swab of the inside of the participating child’s and mother’s cheek and completion of a short questionnaire by the child’s mother.
Benefits to Participation
- This is the largest study of its type worldwide and has the potential to make a major contribution to our current knowledge of cerebral palsy. Your participation may help to unlock some of the mystery surrounding this condition and how we can reduce its incidence in future generations.
- No clinic visit or invasive procedures are required - a simple swab to the inside of the child’s and mother’s cheek is all that is needed.
Main Eligibility Criteria
- Caucasian children aged 5 – 18 who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
- Caucasian children aged 5 – 18 who do not have cerebral palsy.
- The child’s mother will also be required to provide a cheek swab and complete a short questionnaire.
- Children must have been born in Australia.
Other Information
This trial is being conducted by medically qualified professionals, and has received ethics committee approval from the Adelaide Children, Youth and Women’s Health Service Human Research Ethics Committee. If you choose to participate, your participation will not interfere with your relationship with your normal Doctor.
What next?
If you’d like to participate, or would like to find out more information, please click the link below to enter your contact details and answer a few questions to determine your initial eligibility. You will then be contacted by the research centre. Please note all information entered is strictly confidential, and will be shared only with The Australian Cerebral Palsy Research Group.
Please click the appropriate link based on your location.
All of Australia: Click here to begin
