Structural Characteristics of Adductor Longus and Gracilis in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy

This undergraduate research project examines the structural characteristics of the adductor longus and gracilis muscles collected from children with cerebral palsy. Led by NSERC summer student Sunnie Vuong, the work aims to characterize how these muscles differ structurally in pediatric populations with neurological conditions.

Project Overview

In collaboration with Alberta Children’s Hospital and the McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, this project investigates structural properties of two muscles commonly affected in children with cerebral palsy. The adductor longus and gracilis are frequently targeted in surgical interventions for these patients, yet our understanding of their structural characteristics remains limited.

This research builds on the lab’s ongoing work in pediatric muscle physiology, complementing earlier studies on active force production and fatigue in muscle fibres from children with cerebral palsy.

Key Research Questions

1. How do the structural characteristics of adductor longus and gracilis differ in children with cerebral palsy compared to typically developing children?
2. What structural adaptations are present in these muscles, and how might they relate to functional deficits?
3. How can structural characterization inform surgical decision-making and rehabilitation strategies?

Research Team

• Sunnie Vuong — NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award recipient (2025)
• Dr. Robert John Holash — Supervisor, Digital Athlete Lab
• In collaboration with Dr. Walter Herzog’s lab, Human Performance Lab

Dissemination

This research has been presented at four venues in 2025:

• McCaig Institute Summer Student Symposium (August 13) — Oral presentation
• Transdisciplinary Child & Maternal Health Trainee Research Day (August 26) — Poster
• 26th Annual AB BME Conference (October 25) — Oral presentation
• HPL Seminar (November 20) — Seminar presentation