The Dolphin Primary School Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Neurodevelopmental outcomes of school-age children with risk factors for neurodisability, following dietary supplementation in infancy.
IRAS ID
224056
Contact name
Peter B Sullivan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
This is the second and final follow-up of a group of children who took part in the Dolphin Study and subsequent Dolphin Preschool Study.\n\nThe Dolphin Study comprised two Randomised Control Trials (RCTs) which investigated whether adding three essential micronutrients, vital to healthy brain growth and repair, to the diet of infants at risk of neurological impairment or early signs of cerebral palsy, could improve their neurodevelopmental outcomes. Results from the RCTs identified a trend of cognitive and language advantage amongst children in the treatment group compared to those in the control group. These identified advantages may have important consequences as the children progress through their formal education, and for their future employment, participation and social relationships. \n\nThe Preschool Study was designed as a one day assessment, using well validated tests to measure cognitive and neurological development, to investigate the potential impact of these advantages as the children started school at age 4-5 years. The Study completed recruitment in April 2017 and statistical analysis is underway. \n\nBy now further assessing these children as they reach the end of infant school at 7-9 years, we will have the opportunity to make more refined assessments of cognitive and language performance and establish whether or not these early advantages translate into improved cognitive, language and academic performance during the school years. We will be able to enrich these findings with teachers comprehensive educational assessments, completed at the end of Key Stage 1, when the children are tested in English, Maths and Science.\nAs with the Preschool Study, this final follow-up will be a one-day assessment. It will run over two years, starting in the summer, 2017. Participants will be the 54 children who took part in both the RCTs and preschool follow-up Study.\n\n
REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1485
Date of REC Opinion
19 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion