Laura Prosser, PT, PhD

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Laura  Prosser, PT, PhD is a research scientist with the Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Team at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Areas of Expertise: Research in the development of impaired movement and in designing treatment protocols for children with cerebral palsy that promote neural plasticity at a young age
Locations: Main Hospital
Appointments and Referrals: 1-800-TRY-CHOP (1-800-879-2467)

Education and Training

Board Certification

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Graduate Degree

PhD in Physical Therapy - Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
MS in Physical Therapy - University of Scranton, Scranton, PA
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Functional and Applied Biomechanics - National Institutes of Health

Titles and Academic Titles

Research Scientist

Departments and Services

Publications

Papers

2023

Prosser LA, Skorup J, Pierce SR, Jawad AF, Fagg AH, Kolobe THA, Smith BA.: Locomotor learning in infants at high risk for cerebral palsy: A study protocol. Frontiers in Pediatrics 11(2): doi: 10.3389/fped.2023.891633, Feb 2023 Notes: eCollection 2023.

Pierce SR, Skorup, J, Paremski A, Prosser LA. : The relationship between the family empowerment scale and fine motor, gross motor, and cognitive development in young children with cerebral palsy. Child: Care, Health & Development 49(4): 778-783, Jul 2023.

Prosser LA, Pierce SR, Skorup JA, Paremski AC, Alcott M, Bochnak M, Ruwaih N, Jawad AF: Motor training for young children with cerebral palsy: A single-blind randomized controlled trial. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology Aug 2023 Notes: Online ahead of print. DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15729.

Jain D, Graci V, Beam ME, Ayaz H, Prosser LA, Master CL, McDonald CC, Arbogast KB.: Neurophysiological and gait deficits during a dual-task gait assessment in concussed adolescents. Clinical Biomechanics. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2023.106090. Oct 2023.

Kather C, Shofer FS, Park J, Bogen D, Pierce SR, Kording K, Zhang H, Prosser L, Johnson MJ.: Quantifying interaction with robotic toys in pre-term and full-term infants. Frontiers in Pediatrics 11, Oct 2023 Notes: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fped.2023.1153841/full.

Pierce SR, Skorup J, Kolobe THA, Smith BA, Prosser LA.: Agreement between the Gross Motor Ability Estimator-2 and the Gross Motor Ability Estimator-3. Pediatric Physical Therapy Nov 2023 Notes: Online ahead of print.doi: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000001065.

50. Hatch E, Jaffe A, Prosser L: Clinical utility of a patient-reported outcome for assessing spasticity in a pediatric population. Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine In press 2023.

51. Jain D, Graci V, Beam ME, Master CL, Prosser LA, McDonald CC, Arbogast KB. : Impaired Neuromotor Control During Gait in Concussed Adolescents - a Frequency Analysis. Journal of Applied Biomechanics 27: 1-9, Dec 2023 Notes: doi: 10.1123/jab.2023-0126. Online ahead of print.

2022

Prosser LA, Ovando Aguirre M, Zhao S, Bogen DK, Pierce SR, Nilan KA, Zhang H, Shofer FS, Johnson MJ: Infants at risk for physical disability may be identified by measures of postural control in supine. Pediatric Research 91(5): 1215-1221, Apr 2022.

Kornafel T, Paremski AC, Prosser LA: Unweighting infants reveals hidden motor skills. Developmental Science 26(2): e13279, May 2022.

Gaetz W, Graci V, Falciani C, Sanders O, Prosser LA.: A MEG compatible, interactive IR game paradigm for the study of visuomotor reach-to target movements in young children and clinical populations: The Target-Touch Motor Task. Journal of Neuroscience Methods 380(1): doi: 10.1016, Oct 2022 Notes: epub.

Prosser LA, Atkinson HL, Alfano JM, Kessler SK, Ichord RB: Walking speed influences spatiotemporal, but not symmetry, measures of gait in children and adolescents with hemiplegia. Gait & Posture 98(1): 233-236, Oct 2022.

Prosser LA, Atkinson HL, Alfano JM, Leff M, Kessler SK, Gouelle A, Ichord RB.: Normalizing step-to-step variability to age in children and adolescents with hemiplegia. Gait & Posture 98(4): 6-8, Oct 2022.

J. Panchal, O. F. Sowande, L. Prosser and M. J. Johnson : Design of pediatric robot to simulate infant biomechanics for neuro-developmental assessment in a sensorized gym. 9th IEEE RAS/EMBS International Conference for Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics (BioRob) 2022(1): 1-7, Nov 2022.

2021

Pierce SR, Skorup J, Paremski A, Prosser LA: The relationship between the Family Empowerment Scale and Gross Motor Function Measure-66 in young children with cerebral palsy. Child: Care, Health and Development 47(1): 112-118, Jan 2021. 37. Zarkou A, Prosser LA, Franklin C, Hwang S, Jeka J, Lee SCK: Foot and Ankle Somatosensory Deficits in Children with Cerebral Palsy. Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine 14(2): 247-255, Jun 2021.

Abstracts

2023

Ghazi MA, Prosser LA, Kolobe THA, Fagg AH, Skorup J, Pierce SR, Ruwaih NI, Smith BA.: Measuring Spontaneous Leg Movement of Infants At-Risk for Cerebral Palsy: Preliminary Findings. American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Meeting, Atlanta, GA 2023 Notes: Poster.

Pierce SR, Skorup JA, Kolobe THA, Smith BA, Prosser LA. : Agreement between the Gross Motor Ability Estimator-2 and the Gross Motor Ability Estimator-3 in Young Children with Cerebral Palsy. American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL 2023 Notes: Poster.

Shotande MO, Skorup JA, Walters S, Alcott M, Smith BA, Prosser L, Kolobe THA, Fagg AH.: Graphical user interfaces for individualized locomotor training for infants with or at high risk of cerebral palsy using an assistive robotic device. American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL 2023 Notes: Poster.

Skorup JA, Paremski AC, Alcott M, Pierce SR, Prosser LA. : Changes in motor error over time during physical therapy in young children with cerebral palsy. American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL 2023 Notes: Poster.

2022

Jain D, Graci V, Beam ME, Ayaz H, Prosser L, McDonald CC, Master CL, Arbogast KB. : Neurophysiological and gait deficits during dual-task conditions in concussed adolescents. Journal of Neurotrauma 39(11-12): A36, Jun 2022 Notes: Poster presentation, 39th Annual Symposium of the National Neurotrauma Society, Atlanta, GA.

Prosser LA, Pierce SR, Skorup JA, Paremski AC, Alcott M, Jawad AJ: iMOVE (Intensive MObility with Variability and Error) trial for toddlers with cerebral palsy. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology 64(Suppl. 4): 55, Sep 2022 Notes: Platform presentation, American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Las Vegas, NV.

Alcott M, Paremski AC, Skorup J, Pierce SR, Prosser LA. : Estimating the difficulty level of motor practice during physical therapy sessions in young children with cerebral palsy. Pediatric Physical Therapy Page: 1-23, Oct 2022 Notes: Platform presentation, Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference, Portland OR.

Prosser LA, Paremski AC, Skorup J, Alcott M: Type and distribution of gross motor activity during physical therapy in young children with cerebral palsy. Pediatric Physical Therapy Page: 1-23, Oct 2022 Notes: Platform presentation, Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference, Portland, OR.

Prosser LA, Paremski AC, Skorup J, Alcott M, Pierce SR: Self-initiated movement during physical therapy in young children with cerebral palsy. Pediatric Physical Therapy Page: 1-23, Oct 2022 Notes: Platform presentation, Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference, Portland, OR (*Top Abstract Award*).

Prosser LA, Paremski AC, Skorup J, Alcott M, Pierce SR. : Independent motor practice time during physical therapy in young children with cerebral palsy. Pediatric Physical Therapy Page: 1-23, Oct 2022 Notes: Platform presentation, Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference, Portland OR.

Skorup J, Paremski AC, Alcott M, Pierce SR, Prosser LA : Measuring motor error during physical therapy in young children with cerebral palsy. Pediatric Physical Therapy Page: 1-23, Oct 2022 Notes: Platform presentation, Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference, Portland, OR.

Skorup J, Paremski AC, Wu T, Ruwaih N, Alcott M, Pierce SR, Prosser LA. : Motivation to move in young children with cerebral palsy. Pediatric Physical Therapy Page: 1-23, Oct 2022 Notes: Poster presentation, Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference, Portland, OR.

Books

Chapters

Prosser LA, Damiano DL. Biomechanical and neuromuscular aspects of motor development in children with cerebral palsy. In: De Ste Croix M, Korff T, eds. Paediatric Biomechanics and Motor Control: Theory and Application. UK: Routledge; 2011. 

Posters and Presentations

Lectures by Invitation
2023

Prosser, L. "Cerebral Palsy - Early Diagnosis and Functional Prognosis." Arcadia University elective pediatric graduate course, Glenside, PA.

Prosser, L. "Manipulating the "ingredients" of rehabilitation therapy to promote motor learning in toddlers with CP." 8th Annual Shriners-Temple Symposium on Neural Repair, Philadelphia, PA,

Prosser, L., "HINE and HNNE scores in typically developing infants aged 1-6 months." 6th Annual Implementation of Early Detection and Intervention for Cerebral Palsy Health Summit, Virtual in place of Atlanta, GA.

2022

Prosser, L., "Gait disturbances in children: Children who walk on their toes." 15th SEHA International Pediatric Conference. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Prosser, L., "Cerebral Palsy - Early Diagnosis and Functional Prognosis." Arcadia University elective pediatric graduate course. Virtual in place of Glenside, PA.

Prosser, L., "What's new in early diagnosis and early intervention - iMOVE study." 11th Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine/3rd International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disability Conference. Virtual in place of Melbourne, Australia.

Prosser, L.,  "Quantifying lower limb selective motor control in young children with cerebral palsy using EMG and biofeedback." World Congress of Biomechanics, Virtual in place of Taipei, Taiwan.

Prosser, L., "iMOVE (Intensive MObility with Variability and Error) trial for toddlers with cerebral palsy." American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine annual meeting, Las Vegas, NV.

Prosser, L., "Independent motor practice time during physical therapy in young children with cerebral palsy." Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference, Portland, OR.

Prosser, L., "Type and distribution of gross motor activity during physical therapy in young children with cerebral palsy." Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference, Portland OR.

Prosser, L., "Self-initiated movement during physical therapy in young children with cerebral palsy." Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference, Portland, OR.

2021

Prosser, L., "Gross motor variability and impaired motor development." International Motor Development Research Consortium (I-MDRC), 5th Assembly, Virtual in place of Komotini, Greece.

Prosser, L., "Motor learning opportunities in children with impaired motor development." University of Southern California Sykes Pediatric Rehabilitation, Health, and Development Seminar Series. Los Angeles, CA.

Awards and Honors

2022, Top Abstract Award

2018,2018 Susan Harryman Cerebral Palsy Lecture, Kennedy Krieger Institute

2011, Nominated for the 2012 Gayle G. Arnold Award for Research Excellence from the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine. Prosser LA, Curatalo LA, Alter KE, Damiano DL. Acceptability and effectiveness of a foot drop stimulator in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. (Presented at the AACPDM  Annual Meeting 2011)



2011, NIH Fellows Award for Research Excellence



2010, AACPDM Travel Scholarship



2009, “Dean’s Award for Excellence” (First place). Prosser LA, Lee SCK, Lauer RT, Van Sant AF, Barbe MF. Trunk and hip muscle activity patterns in early walkers with and without cerebral palsy. College of Health Professions Research Day, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 



2006, “Best Poster Presentation.” Ding J, Lee SCK, Tokay A, Prosser L, Stackhouse S, Wexler AS, Binder-Macleod SA. Modeling Isometric Contractions of Leg Muscles for Children with Cerebral Palsy. 3rd Annual Center for Biomedical Engineering Research Symposium, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 

2004, Service Excellence Award (recognized by the families of patients), Children’s Specialized Hospital 



2000, Honors graduate, University of Scranton, magna cum laude 



1996-2001, Loyola scholarship, University of Scranton 



1996, National Merit Scholar Semi-finalist

Editorial and Academic Positions

Editorial Positions
Editorial board member

2013-present, Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics

Reviewer

2015-present, Journal of Motor Behavior

2014-present, Developmental Neurorehabilitation 

2013-present, Journal of Applied Biomechanics 

2013-present, Disability and Rehabilitation 

2012-present, Pediatrics 

2012-present, Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 

2011-present, Transactions on Neural Systems & Rehabilitation Engineering 

2011-present, Physical Therapy 

2011-present, Prosthetics and Orthotics International 

2010-present, Journal of Biomechanics 

2007-present, Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology 

2007-present, Pediatric Physical Therapy 

Academic and Institutional Committees

2012-present, Member, Scientific Review Committee, Center for Rehabilitation, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Leadership and Memberships

International

2022, World Congress of Biomechanics

National

2019-present, American College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Member

2005-present, American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine 

1998-present, American Physical Therapy Association - Neurology, Pediatrics, and Research sections