Integration of macroscopic and microscopic muscle properties with cell modelling to feature  neuromuscular symptoms in cerebral palsyAcronym: 3D-MMAP (3D-Macroscopic and microscopic Muscle Architecture in cerebral Palsy)

While altered muscle growth is a major problem in children with cerebral palsy (CP), its treatment is hindered by insufficient understanding of its development with growth and pathology. So far, hampered muscle growth has mainly been associated with spasticity and abnormal muscle use, thus classifying it as a secondary process. However, preterm born children with CP may also have impaired muscle growth due to abnormal neural input during muscle fiber development. In this project, we will delineate the muscle property changes early after the occurrence of CP and during the development of the disease on a macro- and microscopic level via 3D ultrasonography and muscle biopsies. We will then generate a patient-tailored cell model system to feature the observed neuromuscular impairments. This translational study will shed light on the time course of the altered muscle growth observed in CP, and will pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies to prevent the altered muscle growth.

Keywords:Cerebral Palsy, Etiology of altered muscle properties, Muscular ultrasound imaging, Patient-tailored cell modelling, Botulinum toxin treatment

Disciplines:Orthopaedics, Human movement and sports sciences, Rehabilitation sciences, Neurosciences, Biological and physiological psychology, Cognitive science and intelligent systems, Developmental psychology and ageing