The Journal of Spine Surgery published an open access review on the management of scoliosis in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Research indicates that 21-64% of children with CP develop scoliosis most likely to occurring before 10 years of age. In children with CP, scoliosis can progress beyond skeletal maturity which is different from idiopathic scoliosis. The […]
Physical Therapy published a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of interventions for improving gait speed in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP). Twenty four studies were divided into three categories of interventions: gait training (n=8), resistance training (n=9), and miscellaneous (n=7). The analysis indicated that: gait training was effective in increasing gait speed. resistance […]
Once in awhile, a new product hits the market that can be a game changer. In my opinion, the EazyHold flexible universal cuffs, appear to have accomplished this by helping children (and adults) with physical disabilities. Since I have a big interest in entrepeneurship, I thought it would be great to hear about the story […]
If you are a pediatric physical therapist who works with young children you have most likely been asked by parents “will my child with cerebral palsy walk?” Many times the response is based on evaluation results, clinical experience and research. Disability and Rehabilitation published the results of a systemic review on 1123 identified articles on prognostic […]
The American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation published the results of a randomized controlled clinical trial on the effects of dance in the functionality and psychosocial adjustment of 26 young people with cerebral palsy (GMFCS levels II to V). The participants were randomly chosen to complete 1 hour sessions, two times per week, for […]
The discomfort and pain of constipation can affect a child’s quality of life. For children with cerebral palsy, constipation is particularly common. An epidemiological survey of nutritional and gastrointestinal problems indicated that 26% of children with cerebral palsy experienced constipation constipation (defined as opening of the bowels less frequently than once in every 3 days) (Elawad, M. A., & […]
The November digital magazine for pediatric occupational and physical therapists has been published. The table of contents includes: ACTION PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTING MODIFICATIONS IN THE CLASSROOM EXERCISE AND SLEEP TIPS FOR CHILDREN 5 WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS IN THE CLASSROOM 10 WAYS TO INCREASE STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL BASED THERAPY TACTILE FUNCTION IN CHILDREN WITH […]
As pediatric therapists, assessment and treatment of children with cerebral palsy frequently focuses on motor impairments although, children with unilateral cerebral palsy (hemiplegia) are also likely to have sensory impairment. Research indicates that tactile registration for children with hemiplegia is consistently worse with their impaired hand than their unimpaired hand. Both hands of children with hemiplegia performed […]
HeartSpace for Physical Therapy shared an informative article on pediatric orthotics compiled by the pediatric section of the APTA. If you are a new or a long time pediatric Physical Therapist this document provides an excellent overview. The article answers the following questions: What is an orthoses and who designs them? What are the characteristics of […]
The September issue of the Your Therapy Source digital magazine has been published. You can read articles on bladder control, handwriting, playground interventions, fine motor activities, visual perceptual printables and more! All free! View below or go to the Monthly Magazine page to view the PDF version of the magazine. Open publication – Free publishing