A groundbreaking mobile application, cpThrive, has been developed to assist individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), their caregivers, and healthcare professionals in identifying and accessing evidence-based treatments. Launched on January 20, 2026, the app is a collaboration between the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, The University of Sydney, and CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and was commissioned to enhance treatment accessibility under the national TRANSMIT project.
cpThrive serves as a comprehensive digital guide, utilizing a “traffic light” system to help users quickly navigate over 130 medical and allied health treatments. The app’s design reflects a thorough co-design process involving people with lived experience of CP, clinicians, researchers, and policy experts, ensuring it meets the specific needs of its users.
Professor Iona Novak, a leading figure in CP research, emphasized the importance of transforming academic findings into practical tools. “This app is an important step in bridging the gap between research and real-world care. Evidence doesn’t help if it stays in academic papers,” she stated. The app aims to improve functional outcomes for users and promote access to effective therapies across Australia.
Addressing Treatment Gaps
Currently, only 55% of individuals with CP receive effective therapy, while 43% are subjected to treatments that may not only be ineffective but could also be harmful. cpThrive seeks to address this disparity. By providing personalized treatment options based on individual priorities, the app fosters informed decision-making for families and clinicians alike.
The app is part of a national five-year research initiative funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). The project also benefits from the support of the National Disability Insurance Agency and contributions from leading CP researchers at The University of Queensland.
Designed for user-friendliness, cpThrive includes features such as large text for visibility, screen reader compatibility, and a streamlined process for participating in ongoing research studies. Additionally, it allows users to save favorite therapies and provides real-time feedback on treatment options.
Community Involvement and Future Development
The developers at Miroma Project Factory encourage families to participate in the app’s evolution. Six hundred families are being sought to download cpThrive, register their details, and provide feedback through a brief survey conducted quarterly. This input will be crucial for continuous updates and enhancements based on real-world experiences.
By merging decades of research with accessible technology, cpThrive aims to empower families and clinicians to make confident, informed choices that enhance the quality of life for those affected by cerebral palsy. The app is set to launch in Australia shortly, with ongoing updates planned to incorporate user insights and research findings.
For more information about cpThrive, interested parties can contact Miroma Project Factory for media inquiries or partnership opportunities. The app represents a significant advancement in bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application, ultimately aiming to improve outcomes for the CP community.
