Research at Nemours improves the health and health care of all children. By seeking new approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood diseases and educating the next generation of leaders in the fields of children’s and public health, Nemours is making a difference today and establishing the opportunities to make a difference well into the future.

Our research program continues to grow in size and scope. Clinical questions continue to drive our efforts. Our growing research capability is a critical benefit to the well being of every child we see.

Helping Children With Neuromuscular and Orthopedic Disorders

The Nemours Pediatric Engineering Research Lab (PERL) is involved in the research of devices and therapies that will assist and rehabilitate children with neuromuscular disabilities and orthopedic disorders.

PERL’s staff of biomedical engineers and students works with various clinicians at the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children to conceive and develop engineering solutions to medical problems. PERL has affiliations with Drexel University and University of Delaware, as well as collaborates with a number of companies to manufacture and market devices conceived and developed at PERL. One project currently underway aims to accurately measure gait and activity while children are in their everyday environment. So we’re developing a small unobtrusive gait and activity sensor that’s low-cost and accurate for people with various disabilities, such as cerebral palsy. Sensors are commercially available based on accelerometers, gyroscopes, and GPS technology, but these aren’t ideal for people with these kinds of conditions.