The RAINCOAT study
Researching crouch gait in children with cerebral palsy
In this study we are researching crouch gait during everyday walking activities such as slopes, steps, and kerbs.
Crouch gait is one of the most common walking patterns affecting children and young people with bilateral cerebral palsy and is characterized by excessive knee bend which can lead to chronic knee pain and reduced mobility.
It is hoped that this study will enable the development of new treatment approaches for children and young people with crouch gait and cerebral palsy, which target real-life difficulties they face when walking outside.
The study is taking place at the University of Plymouth, Human and Movement function lab from 15 May 2023 to 31 March 2024. We are inviting children aged 6-18 years both with and without cerebral palsy to take part.
What does participating involve?
We are looking for children aged 6-18 years old with or without cerebral palsy to participate in this study.
All participants need to be able to walk with or without a walking frame, walk up a small slope and complete three steps with a handrail.
If eligible to participate your child will be invited to a one-off assessment at the University of Plymouth. Here we will take a measurement of your child's muscle strength, range of movement and their selective motor control (the ability to move joints independently of one another).
We will also ask your child to wear motion sensors on their hip, knee and ankle and then walk along a five metre level walkway, up and down three steps and up and down a small slope.
Further information by age group
Children aged 6-8 years
What is this study about?
We want to look at how you walk.
We want to look at how you walk.
How long does it take?
1.5 hours.
1.5 hours.
What do I need?
We give out a drink or a snack, but you can bring your own.
We give out a drink or a snack, but you can bring your own.
What would I have to do?
Move your leg so we can see how strong it is.
Walk so we can see how your leg moves.
Move your leg so we can see how strong it is.
Walk so we can see how your leg moves.
What do I wear?
Bring shorts if you want to wear them.
You can walk in bare feet or trainers.
Bring shorts if you want to wear them.
You can walk in bare feet or trainers.
Where is the study taking place?
In a room in the University of Plymouth.
In a room in the University of Plymouth.
Do I have to take part?
Only if you want to.
Only if you want to.
Children aged 9-11 years
What is this study about?
The different ways people walk.
The different ways people walk.
Who can take part?
Children 6-18 years old.
Children with or without Cerebral Palsy.
Children who walk with or without a walker.
Children 6-18 years old.
Children with or without Cerebral Palsy.
Children who walk with or without a walker.
How long does it take?
1.5 hours.
1.5 hours.
What would I need?
We give out a drink and a snack, but you can also bring your own.
We give out a drink and a snack, but you can also bring your own.
What would I have to do?
Come to the University of Plymouth with your Mum, Dad or Guardian.
Move your leg so we can see how strong it is.
Walk in a straight line, up and down a slope and up and down three steps.
Come to the University of Plymouth with your Mum, Dad or Guardian.
Move your leg so we can see how strong it is.
Walk in a straight line, up and down a slope and up and down three steps.
What should I wear?
Comfy clothes.
Bring shorts if you want to wear them.
You can walk in bare feet or trainers.
Comfy clothes.
Bring shorts if you want to wear them.
You can walk in bare feet or trainers.
Where is the study taking place?
In a room in the University of Plymouth.
In a room in the University of Plymouth.
Do I have to take part?
Only if you want to.
Only if you want to.
Young people aged 12-18 years
Please download our
information sheet which has been specifically written for 12 -18 year olds.
Parent or guardian of a child with Cerebral Palsy
Parent or guardian of a typically developing child
Meet the research team
Harriet Hughes
Is the lead researcher for the RAINCOAT study.
Is the lead researcher for the RAINCOAT study.
She is a qualified children's physiotherapist with over six years' experience of working with children with cerebral palsy. She works part time for Child and Family Health Devon at the John Parks Unit, Torbay Hospital. She is also a doctoral research fellow at the University of Plymouth and has been funded to carry out this research by Torbay Medical Research Fund.
Professor Jonathan Marsden
Is overseeing and managing the RAINCOAT study.
Is overseeing and managing the RAINCOAT study.
Professor Marsden is a
Professor and Chair in Rehabilitation
in the School of Health Professions at the University of Plymouth. He is a trained Physiotherapist by background and has a PhD in Clinical Medicine. He has vast experience in designing and delivering clinical trials in adults and children with neurological conditions.
Professor Cherry Kilbride
Is a professor of Neurorehabilitation and Applied Clinical Research at Brunel University, London.
Is a professor of Neurorehabilitation and Applied Clinical Research at Brunel University, London.
Cherry is the Director of Research for Brunel Partners Academic Centre for Health Sciences (BPACHS) and the Lead Allied Health Professional for Clinical Research at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. Cherry is a trained physiotherapist by background and specialises in researcher delivery within in the field of neurological rehabilitation, including stroke and cerebral palsy.
Dr Rachel Rapson
Rachel has just completed her PhD in paediatric neurorehabilitation, her special interest is in physiotherapy interventions in children with cerebral palsy, gait and balance.
She currently works in the NHS as a Consultant Physiotherapist and Associate Clinical Director at Child and Family Health Devon and has over 25 years of experience working in paediatrics and adult learning disability.
How do I participate?
If you are interested in participating, please email our lead researcher. Alternatively, you can download our study contact form and send or email it to the address below.
Lead researcher: Miss Harriet Hughes BSc, MSc, MCSP
Address: ICP building, Plymouth Railway Station, North Road East, Plymouth, PL4 6AB
Email: harriet.hughes-5@postgrad.plymouth.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 7971 246605
Address: ICP building, Plymouth Railway Station, North Road East, Plymouth, PL4 6AB
Email: harriet.hughes-5@postgrad.plymouth.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 7971 246605