Play Lab
Focusing on innovative play-based interventions and technologies, our goal is to improve children's mobility, function and participation in daily life.
Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for children at risk for developmental delays or with disabilities and their families. Our work is conducted with a user-centered, family-friendly approach, focusing on innovative play-based interventions and technologies.
The Play Lab is located within UNMC's Munroe-Meyer Institute Department of Physical Therapy.
Approach
Our approach is grounded in a user-centered and longitudinal study design. We use clinical measures, behavioral coding, play-based assessments and technology to comprehensively evaluate clinical outcomes. We also design and test play-based interventions and technologies specifically tailored to the needs of children and their families.
Our Team
Our Play Lab is comprised of graduate and undergraduate students, along with research assistants, all united in our commitment to theory-based, collaborative research in child development and pediatric rehabilitation. We provide opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience by participating in data collection, problem-solving during tasks, processing data and training in assessment tools and behavioral coding. This hands-on involvement fosters a collaborative environment that emphasizes continuous learning and innovation.
Current Grants
Title |
Grant Type |
More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Enhancing Upper Extremity Rehabilitation in Neurodiverse Children: BCI-Mediated Neurofeedback and Virtual Reality for Improved Engagement and Training Quality | University of Nebraska Collaboration Initiative | |
| Modified ride-on cars usage and impact on global development in children with mobility delays | Child Health Research Institute Pilot Grant | Learn more about IRB# 72-23-EP |
| Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Physical Therapy Intervention Targeting Sitting and Reaching for Young Children with Cerebral Palsy | Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development | Learn more |
| Examining Child and Family Outcomes in Low-SES Households | UNMC Faculty Engagement Fund award |
Andrea Baraldi Cunha, PT, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy
Director, Play Lab
Physical Therapist, Department of Physical Therapy
Student Opportunities
Explore opportunities at MMI for post-doctoral fellows, doctoral interns, graduate and undergrad students to assist faculty in research efforts.