The Cerebral Palsy Research Network has initiated a new study to examine the effects of low back pain on quality of life for adults with cerebral palsy (CP). Julie Stutzbach, PT, DPT, PhD, (link) a clinician scientist with extensive experience in neurorehabilitation, clinical trials and qualitative research will present her new study concept to members of the CP community on Wednesday, July 19 at 8 pm ET during our monthly MyCP Webinar Series.

Chronic low back pain is a common problem in adults with CP. It leads to increasing disability and functional decline. Improving pain management strategies is critical to improving quality of life as people with CP age. However, participants’ perspectives on living with low back pain have not been thoroughly examined. This webinar will cover a new study proposal that will use interviews combined with survey data from the adult study in our Community Registry to explore how pain interferes with daily function as well as how adults with CP experience accessing treatment for low back pain.
This study builds on the CP Research Network’s research partnership program that enables investigators outside of the network to conduct studies-based network based on our prior work and research tools. Dr. Stutzbach has partnered with Mary Gannotti, PT, PhD who the principal investigator for the CP Research Network Adult Wellbeing and Pain studies that are available through our Community Registry. Drs Gannotti and Stutzbach will use the Community Registry to enroll participants that have taken our adult pain survey and identified low back pain as an issue in their lives. This new study has been approved by the Regis University Institutional Review Board where Dr. Stutzbach conducts her research.

Community members interested in this MyCP webinar must register. Dr. Stutzbach will be available for Q&A directly following the presentation. A recording of the presentation and discussion will be posted on our website and our YouTube channel within 24 hours.

Low Back Pain in Adults with CP