The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery published research on the use of a floor reaction ankle foot orthoses (AFO’s) on children with cerebral palsy (CP). Using gait analysis, the researchers determined that the AFO’s restricted sagittal plane motion (left to right motion)which results in improvements in knee extension. The best results were seen in […]
This years theme is “Move Forward Physical Therapy Brings Motion to Life”. The focus is on how PT can help you achieve long term quality of life. Here are 10 suggestions to celebrate PT Month in a school or pediatric setting: 1. Think of an activity club that you could start at the school to […]
An article in a recent issue of Pediatrics brings up an interesting point when dealing with mothers of young children and their child’s development. Three focus groups, consisting of mothers of children who received early intervention, mothers of typically developing children and specialists were studied. Most mothers indicated a “non alarmist style of communicating if […]
Here is an activity idea that encourages fine motor and gross motor skill development. Great for an indoor movement activity. You will need low adhesion painter’s tape. This is available at painting or hardware stores. It comes up easily from the floor or rugs (would not use it on any type of expensive flooring though […]
Recently, there have been more studies on autism and motor skill development. Many children with autism exhibit delays in motor skill acquisition. Some research has shown deficits in the following areas: 1. dynamic balance and diadochokinesis (rapid pronation/supination of forearms)2. fine motor skills with regards to timed movements3. increased variability to perform simple movements4. performing […]
Heard about this from @pediastaff on Twitter. Watch this news story about what Shriner’s Hospital is doing with children who have cerebral palsy.
Play for young children is crucial to healthy development. Pediatric therapists who work in early childhood education know the importance of play and how to use it to reach IEP goals that are set for specific children. When a child is evaluated for therapy services, the therapist observes the child in the classroom setting. Therapists […]
Spasticity levels were measured using the Modified Tardieu Scale in 50 children with cerebral palsy (GMFCS I-V)aged 18 months. The children followed for one year and gross motor function was assessed with the GMFM-66. The researchers concluded that spasticity has a small relationship with gross motor function but other factors also need to be considered. […]
Twitter is an excellent platform to learn about: therapy ideas, therapy practices all over the world, research, assistive technology and more. Many people use to twitter to enhance their personal learning network (PLN). For those of you who are new to Twitter it is a short messaging service where you can follow other peoples messages […]
Open publication – Free publishing – More cerebral palsy