Project CORB

Project CORB (Core Optimization and Regulation for Babies) is a landmark multi million study generously funded by Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Foundation and led by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Pathways.org, Northwestern University, and Lurie Children’s Hospital, aimed at revolutionizing the early detection and intervention of motor delays in infants. It is the most comprehensive effort ever to assess human movement from birth and implement at-home intervention strategies to improve motor skills, involving over 300 babies tracked from infancy to age two. The study combines wireless pediatric sensors, machine learning, therapeutic interventions and clinical assessments to create predictive models that can identify atypical movement patterns as early as the first month of life and provide early therapeutic support. Its ultimate goal is to implement a scalable, evidence-based hospital-to-home intervention that becomes a standard in pediatric care. The project will support the development of free, accessible resources through Pathways.org for both clinicians and families. By combining cutting edge technology and multidisciplinary expertise, Project CORB aims to transform infant motor movement outcomes worldwide.

Publications (as of Sept, 2025):

• Miniaturized wireless, skin-integrated sensor networks for quantifying full-body movement behaviors and vital signs in infants Proc Natl Acad Sci (2021) [Link]

• Protocol for a randomized controlled trial to evaluate a year-long (NICU-to-home) evidence-based, high dose physical therapy intervention in infants at risk of neuromotor delay. PLoS ONE (2023) [Link]

• Environment Enrichment Strategies for Pre- and Post-Term Infants: A Summarized Communication From Pediatric Physical Therapists. Pediatr Phys Ther (2025) [Link]

See our other work at the 2025 AACPDM National Conference:

Thursday, October 16th

• 9:30am (Poster): Skin Integrity after Placement of Wireless Movement Sensors ​

  in Infants Hospitalized in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Friday, October 17th

• 10:30am (Educational Session): Caregiver Empowerment and Participation in a Novel Early Therapeutic Intervention for Infants at Risk of Neuromotor Delay

• 12:37am (Podium Presentation): A Composite Score to Evaluate Atypical Motor Development Using Standardized Pediatric Assessments

• 12:51am (Podium Presentation): Timeline to Engagement in Early Intervention Services ​for High-Risk Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Graduates

Saturday, October 18th

• 10:00am (Podium Presentation): Concurrent and Convergent Validity of the ​

  Bayley-4, AIMS, and HINE Assessments in 1-Year-Old Infants

• 10:30am (Educational Session): Using Wearable Sensors to Characterize ​

  Early Neuromotor Development

Organizations working on Project CORB