Neuromotor Performance Lab

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The Neuromotor Performance Lab (NMPL) features state-of-the-art technology to measure all aspects of pediatric motor performance, functional mobility, and motor development, and it is available for evaluation and treatment of patients for both clinical and research purposes.

Standardized measurement and reporting can include:

  • Gait and balance assessment
  • Energy expenditure
  • Muscle performance
  • Comprehensive upper or lower extremity motor performance
  • Gross motor and fine motor developmental assessments
  • Clinical motor functional assessments

Systematic interventions and technology trials can include:

  • Progressive resistance exercise protocols
  • Aerobic exercise protocols
  • Balance, vestibular, and oculomotor training
  • Functional electrical stimulation
  • Bodyweight supported gait training
  • Biofeedback training

Project Highlights

Motor Function and Training in Young Children with Cerebral Palsy

We study the development and rehabilitation of motor disability in infants and young children with cerebral palsy, with several lines of active investigation, including:

  • Motor training clinical studies for infants and toddlers with or at high risk for cerebral palsy
  • Early identification and measurement of motor impairments in infants at high risk for cerebral palsy
  • Brain imaging in young children with cerebral palsy to understand how the brain controls movement, and how rehabilitation might improve the brain’s control of movement
  • Development of a new biomechanical measure of selective motor control for young children with cerebral palsy

PI: Laura Prosser, PT, PhD
Lead Investigator: Julie Skorup, PT, PCS
Contact: skorupj [at] email.chop.edu

Motor Ability in Typically Developing Infants and Toddlers

The objective of this study is to assess the influence of dynamic body weight support on the motor performance of typically developing infants and toddlers, ages 6 months to 36 months. Additionally, the study aims to further characterize the participants’ motor performance on measures that will be used in various studies with children with cerebral palsy. These data will then represent a typically developing comparison cohort for future studies of infants and toddlers with physical disabilities.

PI: Laura Prosser, PT, PhD
Lead Investigator: Tracy Kornafel, PT, PCS
Contact: Tracy Kornafel via nmpl [at] email.chop.edu

Motor Function in Children With Hemiplegia After Stroke

The objective of this line of research is to evaluate the motor and neural responses to rehabilitation in children with hemiplegia from prior stroke.

PI: Laura Prosser, PT, PhD
Contact: prosserl [at] email.chop.edu

Pediatric Rehabilitation Research Registry

The objective of this registry to store clinical data about pediatric rehabilitation patients, treatments, and outcomes to support the conduct of future research.

PI: Laura Prosser, PT, PhD
Contact: prosserl [at] email.chop.edu

Leader
Laura A. Prosser

Laura A. Prosser, PhD

Investigator
Dr. Prosser's research focuses are the development and rehabilitation of movement in children, particularly those with neurological impairments. This includes the investigation of the development of impaired movement, the study of novel motor rehabilitation interventions in children, and the interaction between the processes of neuroplasticity and neuromaturation in sensorimotor systems.

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