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Physical Activity Levels of Independent Ambulators with Unilateral CP

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology published research on physical activity levels measured with accelerometers for four days in 102 children with unilateral cerebral palsy (GMFCS I and II). In addition, data was collected on functional strength, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), mobility limitations (MobQues28), age, sex, Assessment of Life-Habits recreation domain, Participation and Environment Measure for […]

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Best Exercise for Overweight Teens

JAMA Pediatrics published a research study on The Healthy Eating Aerobic and Resistance Training in Youth (HEARTY) that included 304 overweight teens between the ages of 14 to 18. All were given the same four weeks of diet counseling to promote healthy eating and weight loss before being randomly placed into four groups: 1) resistance […]

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Benefits of Tai Chi for Children

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese type of exercise program with its roots coming from martial arts. It emphasizes a mind body connection using slow, gentle movements, meditation and deep breathing. Tai chi requires all the major muscle groups and joints to complete the slow, gentle movements. Tai chi has been shown to improve balance, […]

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Early Predictors of Autism – Self Regulation and Sleep Patterns

The Journal of Early Intervention published research on identifying early predictors prior to a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) at 4 years of age. Data was analyzed on 100 children comparing children with ASD to children with other disabilities and children who were typically developing. The results indicated the following: 1. limited unique characteristics […]

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Postural Control in Very Preterm Children

Recent research assessed the postural control of 90 very preterm (VPT) children (<30 weeks gestation) and 36 full term children (>37 weeks gestation) at four years old. Using a Wii Balance Board, various tasks were assessed including static two-limbed standing with eyes open, eyes closed, eyes open on a foam mat, eyes closed on a […]

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Association Between Strength and Body Weight in Children

Pediatrics published research on strength and body weight in 1224 US children and adolescents in order to provide reference values on 4 core, upper, and lower body measures of muscle strength and to determine the association between these measures of strength and weight status.  The 4 measures of muscle strength were plank, modified pull-up, knee extension, […]

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Kinesio Taping and Cerebral Palsy

Developmental Neurology and Child Development published research on the effects of Kinesio Taping (KT) on the body functions and activity of children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP). The participants included 30 children with unilateral spastic CP randomly assigned to a KT experimental group or a control group. Evaluations were conducted using the Functional Independence […]

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Research: Academic Benefits of Recess

A study was recently published on 186 Finnish children in grades 1-3 looking at the relationships between: different types of physical activity/sedentary behavior and reading/arithmetic skills.  The results indicated the following: 1.  higher levels of physical activity at recess were related to better reading skills 2.  participation in organized sports was linked to higher arithmetic test scores […]