Cerebral palsy (CP) affects millions of children worldwide, often causing severe challenges in walking and other daily activities due to neuro-musculoskeletal abnormalities. Orthopaedic surgeries have been used for decades to address these issues, but 58% of children experience no improvement in walking after surgery—a statistic that has remained unchanged for over 20 years. A new international research initiative, MODEL-CP, is set to change this by revolutionizing how we understand gait disorders and improving the effectiveness of surgical treatments for CP.
Led by Dr. Hans Kainz at the University of Vienna, and supported by a multidisciplinary team of global experts, the MODEL-CP project will combine cutting-edge musculoskeletal modelling and advanced machine learning to analyze and predict surgical outcomes. The project will utilize an unprecedented dataset of 3,000 children with CP, the largest of its kind, to identify critical neuro-musculoskeletal factors influencing walking and assess the impact of surgeries.
The research team will develop innovative patient-specific modelling techniques using 3D movement and clinical data. These dynamic simulations will provide unparalleled insights into the causes of gait dysfunction and the effects of surgical interventions. Furthermore, a machine learning model will be created to predict surgical outcomes, paving the way for more personalized and effective treatment plans.
"This research has the potential to shift the paradigm in CP treatment," says Dr. Kainz. "By combining data-driven insights with cutting-edge technology, we aim to improve clinical decision-making and give children with CP a better chance at improved mobility and quality of life."
The project brings together a global team of collaborators, including Dr. Andreas Kranzl (Orthopaedic Hospital Speising), Dr. Michael Schwartz (Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, USA), and leading experts from the Medical University of Graz (Dr. Martin Svehlik) and St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences (Dr. Djordje Slijepcevic, Dr. Brian Horsak and Dr. Matthias Zeppelzauer).
MODEL-CP offers hope for a future where surgeries become well-informed decisions based on robust data and innovative modelling, ultimately improving walking abilities and quality of life for all selected patients.
