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 April, 2026):

Concurrent validity and agreement of Bayley-4, AIMS, and HINE assessments in 1-year-old children. Dev Med Child Neurol. (2026) [Link]

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

Starting at Birth: An Integrative, State-of-the-Science Framework for Optimizing Infant Neuromotor Health. Front Pediatr. (2022) [Link]

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

Upcoming Presentations:

2026 European Academy of Childhood-onset Disability (EACD)

Thursday, June 4th, 2026

4:30-5:00pm (Technology & Innovation Pitch): Advancing Early Detection and Intervention: The Global Impact of Pathways.org Online Training, Baby Milestones App, and Parent Resources

Friday, June 5th, 2026

5:20-6:20pm (Podium): Timeline to Engagement in State-Based Early Intervention Services for High-Risk Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Graduates in the United States
5:20-6:20pm (Podium): A Composite Score to Evaluate Atypical Motor Development Using Standardized Pediatric Assessments

Saturday, June 6th, 2026

8:00-9:00am (Instructional Course): Using Wearable Sensors to Characterize Early Neuromotor Development

Past Conference Presentations:

2025 AACPDM National Conference:

Thursday, October 16th, 2025

9:30am (Poster): Skin Integrity after Placement of Wireless Movement Sensors
in Infants Hospitalized in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Friday, October 17th, 2025

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, 2025