JOSEPH ROBERT SHAW FOUNDATION INC

In FY 2023 Joey's Foundation committed to providing a total of $25,000 in travel funds for patients to get to and from their research sessions using the PediaCORE system at Kennedy Krieger Institute. The success of the clinical trials requires gathering data from a large number of participants. Removing the barrier of transportation would allow a greater number of patients to enroll and participate in free physical therapy. Current treatment options for children with movement disorders can be costly and fail to fully engage young participants. PediaCORE is a system developed by the staff at Kennedy Krieger Institute based on discussions with engineers and pediatric physical therapists. It is an affordable, touch-interactive device with customizable games to engage young children in physical therapy goal-driven exercises. Kennedy Krieger is currently studying how the dosage of training with the PediaCORE system compares to traditional physical therapy. This is an important step towards optimizing dose to produce meaningful change in movement control. A significant number of visits are necessary for patients to complete the study. Funds from Joey's Foundation will ensure 30 research participants have transportation for 12 study sessions. This support will have a positive impact on both the patients and families who will benefit from PediaCORE as well as the research team. Clinical trials hold promise for patients to have better, more fulfilling lives through the discovery of new therapies. The knowledge gleaned could impact hundreds of thousands of individuals with developmental brain disorders.