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Professor Leanne Sakzewski
Professor

Leanne Sakzewski

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 344 36407

Overview

Background

Leanne Sakzewski is the Professor of Allied Health Research, a conjoint position with the School of Health and Rehabilitation Science at The University of Queensland and Children's Health 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

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

253 works between 1996 and 2025

61 - 80 of 253 works

2023

Conference Publication

Therapist fidelity in a multi-site randomized comparative efficacy trial of Baby-CIMT and Baby-BIM for infants with unilateral cerebral palsy

Scott, K., Heathcock, J., Sakzewski, L. and Boyd, R. (2023). Therapist fidelity in a multi-site randomized comparative efficacy trial of Baby-CIMT and Baby-BIM for infants with unilateral cerebral palsy. 35th Annual Meeting of European Academy of Childhood Disability, Ljublijana, Slovenia, 24-27 May 2023. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

Therapist fidelity in a multi-site randomized comparative efficacy trial of Baby-CIMT and Baby-BIM for infants with unilateral cerebral palsy

2023

Conference Publication

Development of the impaired hand during the first 15 months of life in infants with unilateral cerebral palsy

Sakzewski, L., Ware, R., Greaves, S., Burgess, A., Shannon, B., Eliasson, A. C. and Boyd, R. (2023). Development of the impaired hand during the first 15 months of life in infants with unilateral cerebral palsy. 35th Annual Meeting of European Academy of Childhood Disability, Ljublijana, Slovenia, 24-27 May 2023. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

Development of the impaired hand during the first 15 months of life in infants with unilateral cerebral palsy

2023

Journal Article

Construct validity of the both hands assessment using wrist-worn accelerometers

Burgess, Andrea, Oftedal, Stina, Boyd, Roslyn N., Reedman, Sarah, Trost, Stewart G., Ware, Robert S. and Sakzewski, Leanne (2023). Construct validity of the both hands assessment using wrist-worn accelerometers. Physical and Occupational Therapy In Pediatrics, 44 (1), 1-14. doi: 10.1080/01942638.2023.2207635

Construct validity of the both hands assessment using wrist-worn accelerometers

2023

Journal Article

ACTIVE STRIDES-CP: protocol for a randomised trial of intensive rehabilitation (combined intensive gait and cycling training) for children with moderate-to-severe bilateral cerebral palsy

Sakzewski, Leanne, Pool, Dayna, Armstrong, Ellen, Reedman, Sarah Elizabeth, Boyd, Roslyn N., Elliott, Catherine, Novak, Iona, Trost, Stewart, Ware, Robert S., Comans, Tracy, Toovey, Rachel, Peterson, Mark D., Kentish, Megan, Horan, Sean, Valentine, Jane and Williams, Sian (2023). ACTIVE STRIDES-CP: protocol for a randomised trial of intensive rehabilitation (combined intensive gait and cycling training) for children with moderate-to-severe bilateral cerebral palsy. BMJ Open, 13 (3) e068774, 1-15. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068774

ACTIVE STRIDES-CP: protocol for a randomised trial of intensive rehabilitation (combined intensive gait and cycling training) for children with moderate-to-severe bilateral cerebral palsy

2023

Journal Article

School readiness of children at high risk of cerebral palsy randomised to early neuroprotection and neurorehabilitation: protocol for a follow-up study of participants from four randomised clinical trials

Boyd, Roslyn N., Novak, Iona, Morgan, Catherine, Bora, Samudragupta, Sakzewski, Leanne, Ware, Robert S., Comans, Tracy, Fahey, Michael Collingwood, Whittingham, Koa, Trost, Stewart, Pannek, Kerstin, Pagnozzi, Alex, Mcintyre, Sarah, Badawi, Nadia, Smithers Sheedy, Hayley, Palmer, Kirsten Rebecca, Burgess, Andrea, Keramat, Afroz, Bell, Kristie, Hines, Ashleigh, Benfer, Katherine, Gascoigne-Pees, Laura, Leishman, Shaneen and Oftedal, Stina (2023). School readiness of children at high risk of cerebral palsy randomised to early neuroprotection and neurorehabilitation: protocol for a follow-up study of participants from four randomised clinical trials. BMJ Open, 13 (2) e068675, 1-17. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068675

School readiness of children at high risk of cerebral palsy randomised to early neuroprotection and neurorehabilitation: protocol for a follow-up study of participants from four randomised clinical trials

2023

Journal Article

Exploring caregiver and participant experiences of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) for youth with acquired brain injury and cerebral palsy

Gilmore, Rose, Ziviani, Jenny, McIntyre, Sarah, Goodman, Sarah, Tyack, Zephanie and Sakzewski, Leanne (2023). Exploring caregiver and participant experiences of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) for youth with acquired brain injury and cerebral palsy. Disability and rehabilitation, 46 (3), 1-9. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2167008

Exploring caregiver and participant experiences of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) for youth with acquired brain injury and cerebral palsy

2022

Conference Publication

Exploring caregiver and participant experiences of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS)

Gilmore, Rose, Ziviani, Jenny, McIntyre, Sarah, Goodman, Sarah, Tyack, Zephanie and Sakzewski, Leanne (2022). Exploring caregiver and participant experiences of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS). 2022 Joint Conference on Brain Injury, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 28 - 30 June 2022. Philadelphia, PA, United States: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Exploring caregiver and participant experiences of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS)

2022

Journal Article

Development of social functioning in children with cerebral palsy: a longitudinal study

Burgess, Andrea, Sakzewski, Leanne, Whittingham, Koa, Wotherspoon, Jane, Chatfield, Mark D., Ware, Robert S. and Boyd, Roslyn N. (2022). Development of social functioning in children with cerebral palsy: a longitudinal study. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 65 (5), 1-9. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.15439

Development of social functioning in children with cerebral palsy: a longitudinal study

2022

Journal Article

Intervencoes para promover funcao fisica de criancas e jovens com paralisia cerebral: diretriz internacional de pratica clinica

Jackman, Michelle, Sakzewski, Leanne, Morgan, Catherine, Boyd, Roslyn N., Brennan, Sue E., Langdon, Katherine, Toovey, Rachel A. M., Greaves, Sue, Thorley, Megan and Novak, Iona (2022). Intervencoes para promover funcao fisica de criancas e jovens com paralisia cerebral: diretriz internacional de pratica clinica. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 64 (5), e15-e29. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.15291

Intervencoes para promover funcao fisica de criancas e jovens com paralisia cerebral: diretriz internacional de pratica clinica

2022

Journal Article

Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills for adolescents with an acquired brain injury: A randomized controlled trial

Gilmore, Rose, Ziviani, Jenny, Mcintyre, Sarah, Smithers Sheedy, Hayley, Hilton, Nicola, Williams, Tracey, Chatfield, Mark D., Laugeson, Elizabeth, Sakzewski, Leanne, The Friends Project Group, Goodman, Sarah, Quinn, Kirsten and Balde, Isabelle (2022). Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills for adolescents with an acquired brain injury: A randomized controlled trial. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 64 (6), 771-779. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.15144

Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills for adolescents with an acquired brain injury: A randomized controlled trial

2022

Conference Publication

Parent engagement in home-based, parent-delivered pediatric rehabilitation for infant

Scott, K., Ziviani, J., Boyd, R. N., Sakzewski, L., Hyer, M. and Heathcock, J. C. (2022). Parent engagement in home-based, parent-delivered pediatric rehabilitation for infant . European Academy of Childhood Disability, Barcelona, Spain, 18-21 May 2022. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.

Parent engagement in home-based, parent-delivered pediatric rehabilitation for infant

2022

Journal Article

Interventions to improve physical function for children and young people with cerebral palsy: international clinical practice guideline

Jackman, Michelle, Sakzewski, Leanne, Morgan, Catherine, Boyd, Roslyn N., Brennan, Sue E., Langdon, Katherine, Toovey, Rachel A. M., Greaves, Susan, Thorley, Megan and Novak, Iona (2022). Interventions to improve physical function for children and young people with cerebral palsy: international clinical practice guideline. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 64 (5), 536-549. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.15055

Interventions to improve physical function for children and young people with cerebral palsy: international clinical practice guideline

2022

Journal Article

Development of gross motor capacity and mobility performance in children with cerebral palsy: a longitudinal study

Burgess, Andrea, Reedman, Sarah, Chatfield, Mark D., Ware, Robert S., Sakzewski, Leanne and Boyd, Roslyn N. (2022). Development of gross motor capacity and mobility performance in children with cerebral palsy: a longitudinal study. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 64 (5), 578-585. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.15112

Development of gross motor capacity and mobility performance in children with cerebral palsy: a longitudinal study

2022

Journal Article

Study protocol for Running for health (Run4Health CP): a multicentre, assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial of 12 weeks of two times weekly Frame Running training versus usual care to improve cardiovascular health risk factors in children and youth with cerebral palsy

Reedman, Sarah E., Sakzewski, Leanne, McNamara, Lynda, Sherrington, Catherine, Beckman, Emma, West, Kerry, Trost, Stewart G., Thomas, Rachel, Chatfield, Mark D., Dutia, Iain, Gennen, Alix, Dodds, Bridget, Cotton, Zoë and Boyd, Roslyn N. (2022). Study protocol for Running for health (Run4Health CP): a multicentre, assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial of 12 weeks of two times weekly Frame Running training versus usual care to improve cardiovascular health risk factors in children and youth with cerebral palsy. BMJ Open, 12 (4) e057668, e057668. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057668

Study protocol for Running for health (Run4Health CP): a multicentre, assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial of 12 weeks of two times weekly Frame Running training versus usual care to improve cardiovascular health risk factors in children and youth with cerebral palsy

2022

Journal Article

Social skills group training in adolescents with disabilities: a systematic review

Gilmore, Rose, Ziviani, Jenny, Chatfield, Mark. D, Goodman, Sarah and Sakzewski, Leanne (2022). Social skills group training in adolescents with disabilities: a systematic review. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 125 104218, 1-31. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104218

Social skills group training in adolescents with disabilities: a systematic review

2022

Conference Publication

Convergent validity of the Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth (PLAYfun) in ambulant children with cerebral palsy

Reedman, S., Frampton, K., Gomersall, S., Trost, S. and Sakzewski, L. (2022). Convergent validity of the Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth (PLAYfun) in ambulant children with cerebral palsy. Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine and the International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disability, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 1-5 March 2022. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

Convergent validity of the Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth (PLAYfun) in ambulant children with cerebral palsy

2022

Conference Publication

Disordered sleep in a population-based cohort of primary school age children with cerebral palsy

Whittingham, K., Benfer, K., Leishman, S., Sakzewski, L. and Boyd, R. (2022). Disordered sleep in a population-based cohort of primary school age children with cerebral palsy. Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine and the International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disability, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 1-5 March 2022. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

Disordered sleep in a population-based cohort of primary school age children with cerebral palsy

2022

Conference Publication

Reliability of the Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth (PLAYfun) in ambulant children with cerebral palsy.

MacDonald, E., Reedman, S., Gomersall, S. and Sakzewski, L. (2022). Reliability of the Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth (PLAYfun) in ambulant children with cerebral palsy.. Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine and the International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disability,, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 1-5 March 2022. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

Reliability of the Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth (PLAYfun) in ambulant children with cerebral palsy.

2022

Conference Publication

REACH: randomised comparison trial of rehabilitation early for congenital hemiplegia

Boyd, R., Sakzewski, L., Greaves, S., Novak, I., Wallen, M., Ziviani, J., Findlay, L., Morgan, C., Elliott, C., Eliasson, A. C., Badawi, N., Heathcock, J., Maitre, N. and Gillick, B. (2022). REACH: randomised comparison trial of rehabilitation early for congenital hemiplegia. Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine and the International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disability, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 1-5 March 2022. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.

REACH: randomised comparison trial of rehabilitation early for congenital hemiplegia

2022

Conference Publication

Predictors of parental psychological adjustment in a cohort of parents of children (aged 8–12 years) with cerebral palsy

Whittingham, K., Benfer, K., Leishman, S., Sakzewski, L. and Boyd, R. (2022). Predictors of parental psychological adjustment in a cohort of parents of children (aged 8–12 years) with cerebral palsy. Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine and the International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disability, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 1-5 March 2022. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

Predictors of parental psychological adjustment in a cohort of parents of children (aged 8–12 years) with cerebral palsy

Funding

Current funding

  • 2025 - 2030
    Australasian Cerebral Palsy Health Network (Aus CPHealthNet)
    NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence
    Open grant
  • 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 - 2027
    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 - 2026
    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

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
  • 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
  • 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

Professor Leanne Sakzewski is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Reclaiming Choice and Control: Empowering Parents Accessing Early Intervention to Advocate for Allied Health Services that Support Child and Family Well-Being

    Principal Advisor

  • 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, Mrs Gaela Kilgour

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

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