Skip to menu Skip to content Skip to footer
Associate Professor Leanne Sakzewski
Associate Professor

Leanne Sakzewski

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 344 36407

Overview

Background

Leanne Sakzewski is an Associate Professor at the Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland. Leanne completed her undergraduate training in the field of occupational therapy at the University of Queensland. Prior to entering research, she practiced as a senior occupational therapist for eighteen years in paediatric rehabilitation and child development. She completed her PhD in 2010 from The University of Queensland in the field of upper limb rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy, and achieved a Dean's Commendation for outstanding Research Higher Degree.

Research interests

Leanne's research interests are in the conduct of randomised clinical trials in the field of cerebral palsy and childhood onset acquired brain injuries. In particular, she has focused on randomised controlled trials of:

* upper limb training approaches for infants and children with unilateral cerebral palsy;

* intensive models of motor training to improve gross motor and manual abilities for children with bilateral cerebral palsy;

* participation-focused intervention to increase physically active leisure for children with cerebral palsy;

* social skills group-based program for adolescents with brain injuries.

Availability

Associate Professor Leanne Sakzewski is:
Available for supervision

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Works

Search Professor Leanne Sakzewski’s works on UQ eSpace

223 works between 1996 and 2024

1 - 20 of 223 works

2024

Journal Article

Efficacy and threshold dose of intensive training targeting mobility for children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Sudati, Isabella Pessóta, Sakzewski, Leanne, Fioroni Ribeiro da Silva, Carolina, Jackman, Michelle, Haddon, Matthew, Pool, Dayna, Patel, Maharshi, Boyd, Roslyn N. and de Campos, Ana Carolina (2024). Efficacy and threshold dose of intensive training targeting mobility for children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Developmental medicine and child neurology, 1-16. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.16040

Efficacy and threshold dose of intensive training targeting mobility for children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2024

Conference Publication

School readiness outcomes of children identified as high risk of cerebral palsy in infancy

Oftedal, S., Boyd, R., Novak, I., Badawi, N., Whittingham, K., Morgan, C., Elliott, C., Fahey, M., Valentine, J., Ware, R., Bora, S. and Sakzewski, L. (2024). School readiness outcomes of children identified as high risk of cerebral palsy in infancy. 12th AusACPDM Biennial Conference, Cairns, QLD Australia, 31 July-3 August 2024. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.

School readiness outcomes of children identified as high risk of cerebral palsy in infancy

2024

Conference Publication

HABIT-ILE Australia: Randomized trial of hand-arm bimanual intensive training including lower extremity for children with bilateral cerebral palsy

Sakzewski, L., Bleyenheuft, Y., Novak, I., Elliott, C., Reedman, S., Morgan, C., Pannek, K., Fripp, J., Ware, R. and Boyd, R. (2024). HABIT-ILE Australia: Randomized trial of hand-arm bimanual intensive training including lower extremity for children with bilateral cerebral palsy. 12th AusACPDM Biennial Conference, Cairns, QLD Australia, 31 July - 3 August 2024. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

HABIT-ILE Australia: Randomized trial of hand-arm bimanual intensive training including lower extremity for children with bilateral cerebral palsy

2024

Conference Publication

Efficacy of group social skills interventions on social functioning and social participation in children with brain injuries: A systematic review

Thompson, B., Barfoot, J., Gilmore, R. and Sakzewski, L. (2024). Efficacy of group social skills interventions on social functioning and social participation in children with brain injuries: A systematic review. 12th AusACPDM Biennial Conference, Cairns, QLD Australia, 31 July - 3 August 2024. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

Efficacy of group social skills interventions on social functioning and social participation in children with brain injuries: A systematic review

2024

Conference Publication

Implementation of Learning through Everyday Activities with Parents of Infants with CP (LEAP CP) early detection and intervention program in India

Moula, M., Benfer, K., Boyd, R. and Sakzewski, L. (2024). Implementation of Learning through Everyday Activities with Parents of Infants with CP (LEAP CP) early detection and intervention program in India. Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Cairns, QLD Australia, 31 July-3 August 2024. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.

Implementation of Learning through Everyday Activities with Parents of Infants with CP (LEAP CP) early detection and intervention program in India

2024

Conference Publication

Predictors of upper limb performance response to hand-arm bimanual intensive therapy including lower extremity in children with bilateral CP

Burgess, A., Reedman, S., Hines, A., Bleyenheuft, Y., Novak, I., Elliott, C., Morgan, C., Norfolk, E., Pannek, K., Fripp, J., Ware, R., Boyd, R. and Sakzewski, L. (2024). Predictors of upper limb performance response to hand-arm bimanual intensive therapy including lower extremity in children with bilateral CP. Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Cairns, QLD Australia, 31 July-3 August 2024. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.

Predictors of upper limb performance response to hand-arm bimanual intensive therapy including lower extremity in children with bilateral CP

2024

Conference Publication

Tools for early detection of developmental concerns and/or disability in young children (aged birth–5 years 11 months): A scoping review

Burgess, A., Luke, C., Jackman, M., Wotherspoon, J., Whittingham, K., Benfer, K., Goodman, S., Caesar, R., Nesakumar, T., Reedman, S., Bora, S., Honeyman, D., Copplin, D., Cairney, J., Reid, N., Boyd, R. and Sakzewski, L. (2024). Tools for early detection of developmental concerns and/or disability in young children (aged birth–5 years 11 months): A scoping review. 12th AusACPDM Biennial Conference, Cairns, QLD Australia, 31 July - 3 August 2024. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

Tools for early detection of developmental concerns and/or disability in young children (aged birth–5 years 11 months): A scoping review

2024

Conference Publication

Participate-CP 2: optimizing participation in physically active leisure for children with cerebral palsy: phase III randomized controlled trial

Sakzewski, L., Novak, I., Elliott, C., Reedman, S., Majnemer, A., Ziviani, J., Trost, S., Comans, T., Shikako, K., Ware, R., McNamara, L., Williams, S., Keramat, S., Brookes, D. and Boyd, R. (2024). Participate-CP 2: optimizing participation in physically active leisure for children with cerebral palsy: phase III randomized controlled trial. Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Cairns, QLD Australia, 31 July-3 August 2024. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

Participate-CP 2: optimizing participation in physically active leisure for children with cerebral palsy: phase III randomized controlled trial

2024

Conference Publication

Efficacy of upper limb therapies for children with cerebral palsy: Systematic review and network meta-analysis

Burgess, A., Chatfield, M., Jackman, M., Thorley, M., Reedman, S., Boyd, R. and Sakzewski, L. (2024). Efficacy of upper limb therapies for children with cerebral palsy: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. 12th AusACPDM Biennial Conference, Cairns, QLD Australia, 31 July - 3 August 2024. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

Efficacy of upper limb therapies for children with cerebral palsy: Systematic review and network meta-analysis

2024

Conference Publication

Active-start-active-future: feasibility of behaviour-change intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour and promote physical activity in young children with cerebral palsy

Reedman, S., Kilgour, G., Gomersall, S., Sakzewski L, Trost, S. and Boyd, R. (2024). Active-start-active-future: feasibility of behaviour-change intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour and promote physical activity in young children with cerebral palsy. Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Cairns, QLD Australia, 31 July- 3 August 2024. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.

Active-start-active-future: feasibility of behaviour-change intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour and promote physical activity in young children with cerebral palsy

2024

Conference Publication

The preschool HABIT-ILE approach: Best responders in young children aged 2 to 5 years with bilateral cerebral palsy

McLeod, K., Reedman, S., Boyd, R. and Sakzewski, L. (2024). The preschool HABIT-ILE approach: Best responders in young children aged 2 to 5 years with bilateral cerebral palsy. 12th AusACPDM Biennial Conference, Cairns, QLD Australia, 31 July- 3 August 2024. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

The preschool HABIT-ILE approach: Best responders in young children aged 2 to 5 years with bilateral cerebral palsy

2024

Conference Publication

Long term outcomes and predictive factors after RCT of Baby-CIMT and Baby-BIM for children at risk of unilateral cerebral palsy

Boyd, R., Sakzewski, L., Oftedal, S., Novak, I., Badawi, N., Morgan, C., Greaves, S., Elliott, C., Valentine, J., Ware, R. and Fiori, S. (2024). Long term outcomes and predictive factors after RCT of Baby-CIMT and Baby-BIM for children at risk of unilateral cerebral palsy. 12th AusACPDM Biennial Conference, Cairns, QLD Australia, 31 July-3 August 2024. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

Long term outcomes and predictive factors after RCT of Baby-CIMT and Baby-BIM for children at risk of unilateral cerebral palsy

2024

Conference Publication

School readiness outcomes of children who were at high risk of cerebral palsy in infancy.

Oftedal, S., Boyd, R.N., Novak, I., Badawi, N., Whittingham, K., Morgan, C., Elliott, C., Fahey, M., Jane, V., Ware, R., Bora, S. and Sakzewski, L. (2024). School readiness outcomes of children who were at high risk of cerebral palsy in infancy.. European Academy of Childhood Disability, Bruges, Belgium, 29 May-1 June 2024. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

School readiness outcomes of children who were at high risk of cerebral palsy in infancy.

2024

Conference Publication

Efficacy of upper limb therapies for children with cerebral palsy: systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Burgess, A., Chatfield, M., Jackman, M., Thorley, M., Reedman, S., Patel, M., Boyd, R.N. and Sakzewski, L. (2024). Efficacy of upper limb therapies for children with cerebral palsy: systematic review and network meta-analysis.. European Academy of Childhood Disabilty, Bruges, Belgium, 29 May-1 June 2024. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

Efficacy of upper limb therapies for children with cerebral palsy: systematic review and network meta-analysis.

2024

Conference Publication

HABIT-ILE Australia: Randomised trial of Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Training Including Lower Extremities for children with bilateral cerebral palsy.

Sakzewski, L., Bleyenheuft, Y., Novak, I., Elliott, C., Reedman, S., Morgan, C., Pannek, K., Fripp, J. and Boyd, R. (2024). HABIT-ILE Australia: Randomised trial of Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Training Including Lower Extremities for children with bilateral cerebral palsy.. European Academy of Childhood Disability, Bruges, Belgium, 29 May- 1 June 2024. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

HABIT-ILE Australia: Randomised trial of Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Training Including Lower Extremities for children with bilateral cerebral palsy.

2024

Conference Publication

Tools for early detection of developmental concerns and/or disability in young children (aged birth–5 years 11 months): A scoping review

Burgess, A., Luke, C., Jackman, M., Wotherspoon, J., Whittingham, K., Benfer, K., Goodman, S., Caesar, R., Nesakumar, T., Bora, S., Honeyman, D., Copplin, D., Reedman, S., Cairney, J., Reid, N., Sakzewski, L. and Boyd, R.N. (2024). Tools for early detection of developmental concerns and/or disability in young children (aged birth–5 years 11 months): A scoping review. European Academy of Childhood Disability, Bruges, Belgium, 29 May-1 June 2024. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

Tools for early detection of developmental concerns and/or disability in young children (aged birth–5 years 11 months): A scoping review

2024

Journal Article

Sleep problems in a population-based cohort of primary school age children with Cerebral Palsy

Whittingham, Koa, Benfer, Kath, Sakzewski, Leanne, Wotherspoon, Jane, Burgess, Andrea, Comans, Tracy, Keramat, Syed Afoz, Ware, Robert S. and Boyd, Roslyn N. (2024). Sleep problems in a population-based cohort of primary school age children with Cerebral Palsy. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 147 104690, 104690. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104690

Sleep problems in a population-based cohort of primary school age children with Cerebral Palsy

2024

Journal Article

A systematic review of the efficacy of group social skills interventions on social functioning and social participation in children with acquired brain injury or cerebral palsy

Thompson, Bianca A. D., Gilmore, Rose, Barfoot, Jacqui and Sakzewski, Leanne (2024). A systematic review of the efficacy of group social skills interventions on social functioning and social participation in children with acquired brain injury or cerebral palsy. Child: Care, Health and Development, 50 (2) e13242, e13242. doi: 10.1111/cch.13242

A systematic review of the efficacy of group social skills interventions on social functioning and social participation in children with acquired brain injury or cerebral palsy

2023

Journal Article

Participate CP 2: optimising participation in physically active leisure for children with cerebral palsy - protocol for a phase III randomised controlled trial

Sakzewski, Leanne, Reedman, Sarah Elizabeth, Elliott, Catherine, Ziviani, Jenny, Novak, Iona, Trost, Stewart, Majnemer, Annette, Comans, Tracy, Shikako, Keiko, Ware, Robert S., McNamara, Lynda, Williams, Sian, Keramat, Syed Afroz, Brookes, Denise and Boyd, Roslyn N. (2023). Participate CP 2: optimising participation in physically active leisure for children with cerebral palsy - protocol for a phase III randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 13 (10) e075570, e075570. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075570

Participate CP 2: optimising participation in physically active leisure for children with cerebral palsy - protocol for a phase III randomised controlled trial

2023

Journal Article

Fidelity of delivery in a multisite randomized clinical trial of intervention efficacy for infants with unilateral cerebral palsy

Scott, Kimberley, Sakzewski, Leanne, Ziviani, Jenny, Heathcock, Jill C. and Boyd, Roslyn N. (2023). Fidelity of delivery in a multisite randomized clinical trial of intervention efficacy for infants with unilateral cerebral palsy. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 35 (4), 458-466. doi: 10.1097/pep.0000000000001038

Fidelity of delivery in a multisite randomized clinical trial of intervention efficacy for infants with unilateral cerebral palsy

Funding

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2027
    CP-KASP (Cerebral Palsy Knowledge, Advocacy Skills, and Support Program): co-designed with families to optimise evidence-based support through the NDIS
    NHMRC MRFF PPHR - Consumer Led Research
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2026
    Running for Health: community-based adaptive exercise for cardiorespiratory health in young people with moderate to severe cerebral palsy
    NHMRC MRFF EMCR - Early to Mid-Career Researchers
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2026
    Mixed methods RCT of telehealth Program for the Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®)
    The National Injury Insurance Scheme, Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2027
    Australian Cerebral Palsy Musculoskeletal Health Network
    NHMRC MRFF EPCDR - Chronic Musculoskeletal Conditions in Children and Adolescents
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    TRANSMIT: A multifaceted knowledge TRANslation Strategy iMprovIng funcTion in children and youth with cerebral palsy (NHMRC Partnership administered by The University of Sydney)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    Clinical validation of Artificial Intelligence for providing a personalized motor clinical profile assessment and rehabilitation of upper limb in children with unilateral Cerebral Palsy
    NHMRC European Union Collaborative Research Grants
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2026
    Cerebral Palsy SYNERGY Network to Protect, Repair and improve Outcomes
    NHMRC Synergy Grants
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    DRIVE CP: Directing Research In Very Early Cerebral Palsy (NHMRC CRE administered by University of Sydney)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2026
    ACTIVE STRIDES-CP: Randomised trial of Intensive Rehabilitation (Combined Intensive Gait and Cycling Training) for children with moderate to severe bilateral cerebral palsy
    NHMRC Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies Grants
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2025
    School Readiness child outcomes of early neuroprotection/ early neurorehabilitation for infants at high risk of Cerebral Palsy- in the first 2,000 days
    NHMRC MRFF PPHR - Maternal Health and First 2000 Days, Early Childhood, and Exercise and Nutrition
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2024
    Intensive rehabilitation to improve motor skills of children, aged 2 to 5 years, with bilateral cerebral palsy
    Ramaciotti Health Investment Grants
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2021 - 2023
    Running for health: a pilot randomized controlled trial of RaceRunning training to improve cardiovascular health in children and youth with cerebral palsy
    Preclinical and Clinical Early Career Research
    Open grant
  • 2020
    Comparative effectiveness of functional therapies for infants and children with cerebral palsy
    UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    Novel rehabilitation to improve outcomes for children with cerebral palsy.
    NHMRC Career Development Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Novel rehabilitation to improve outcomes for children with cerebral palsy
    The Children's Hospital Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Participation-focused therapy for children with physical disabilities: pearls and pitfalls
    The Children's Hospital Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2023
    HABIT-ILE: A randomised trial of Hand Arm Bimanual Intensive Training Including Lower Extremity training for children with bilateral cerebral palsy
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2024
    Participate-CP: Optimising participation in physically active leisure for children with cerebral palsy: A randomised controlled trial
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2020
    The Friends Project: optimising social competency in youth with acquired brain injury and cerebral palsy
    Motor Accident Insurance Commission
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2018
    Improving translation of intensity and quality of upper limb rehabilitation provided by occupational therapists to children with unilateral cerebral palsy: A cluster randomised controlled trial
    NHMRC Early Career Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2021
    REACH: Randomised trial of EArly Rehabilitation in Congenital Hemiplegia
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2014
    68th American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine Annual Meeting (Ian Potter Foundation Travel Grant)
    Ian Potter Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Cluster randomised controlled trial to improve translation of intensive high quality upper limb rehabilitation for children with unilateral cerebral palsy
    Fellowship Fund Incorporated
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    NHMRC Translating Research into Practice (TRIP) Fellowship (Level 2)
    NHMRC Translating Research into Practice Fellowships
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Associate Professor Leanne Sakzewski is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    CP ArtS: Optimising social skills in primary school-aged children with acquired brain injury and cerebral palsy through active participation in a group-based Creative and Performing Arts Social skills program

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Jacqui Barfoot

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Preschool HABIT-ILE: The impact of intensive motor training to improve gross motor function in young children with bilateral cerebral palsy.

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Sarah Reedman

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

For media enquiries about Associate Professor Leanne Sakzewski's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au