15th June 2000

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Researchers at the University of Ulster in Jordanstown have announced they are to begin work shortly on a two year project which will look at new ways of treating children with Cerebral Palsy.

The University's Rehabilitation Sciences Research Group has been awarded a grant by the Wellcome Trust to carry out work to compare the effectiveness of two forms of electrical stimulation in children with the condition.

The group of researchers, led by Dr Suzanne McDonough, aim to identify the most effective method for strengthening weak muscles by electrical stimulation.

"We hope the technique could then be used to improve functions in children with cerebral palsy, such as their walking ability,” explained Dr McDonough.

The research is a joint collaboration with the Gait Laboratory at Musgrave Park Hospital.

"This is a very exciting project and will affect clinical practice for these children," explained Dr McDonough.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk