Child Sleep & Movement Research Study
Researchers at the Kennedy Krieger Institute are conducting a study on sleep and activity cycles in children to better understand how these patterns relate to behavior, mood, and brain functioning.
Fast Facts
Children Ages 8–12 Who Are Able to Participate in Computer Activities, & Parents Who Can Complete Daily Surveys
Able To Wear a Wristband Device (e.g., FitBit) for 14 Days
Compensation
Provided
MRI Scan Conducted in
Baltimore, MD
Study Background
This study uses wearable technology and brain imaging to explore how sleep and activity patterns affect brain function and behavior in children.
We are particularly interested in understanding how these sleep-activity patterns impact children’s attention, hyperactivity, emotional regulation, and cognitive control. Although we know that sleep and exercise are important factors in healthy development, little is understood about how daily sleep-activity cycles relate to daily behavior and brain function. This study will help fill that gap by combining information from wearable wristbands, brain imaging, daily surveys, and cognitive assessments to accurately track sleep and activity at home and at school. We hope that by improving our understanding of sleep and activity patterns, we can develop better tools and strategies for children.
IRB00478295 | Principal Investigator: Dr. Keri Rosch, PhD | Funded by National Institute of Mental Health
Study Background
This study uses wearable technology and brain imaging to explore how sleep and activity patterns affect brain function and behavior in children.
We are particularly interested in understanding how these sleep-activity patterns impact children’s attention, hyperactivity, emotional regulation, and cognitive control. Although we know that sleep and exercise are important factors in healthy development, little is understood about how daily sleep-activity cycles relate to daily behavior and brain function. This study will help fill that gap by combining information from wearable wristbands, brain imaging, daily surveys, and cognitive assessments to accurately track sleep and activity at home and at school. We hope that by improving our understanding of sleep and activity patterns, we can develop better tools and strategies for children.
IRB00478295 | Principal Investigator: Dr. Keri Rosch, PhD | Funded by National Institute of Mental Health
Additional Information
This study aims to better understand how sleep and activity patterns affect behavior and brain function in children. The findings may help develop new, targeted interventions using wearable technology.
Your child may be eligible for this study if they meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 8-12
- Able to wear a wristband device (e.g., FitBit) for 14 days
- Fluent in English
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of neurological disorders, genetic disorders, or psychiatric disorders
- Metal in their body (e.g., braces, implants, pacemakers) that would prevent them from safely undergoing an MRI scan
- Diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD and autism spectrum disorders
Participation includes:
- A 15-minute phone screening and a 60-90-minute virtual call for parents
- One 3-hour in-person visit with the child for testing and MRI training
- Two weeks of at-home sleep and activity monitoring using a wearable wristband
- Parents also complete daily surveys during the monitoring period
- One 5-hour follow-up visit with cognitive testing and an MRI scan
Children can earn up to $150 for completing all study visits, and parents can earn up to $50. Families may also receive a summary report of the child’s cognitive assessment. Participation takes place in Baltimore, Maryland, and we are happy to discuss transportation support if needed.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.