Previously, I have discussed how important physical activity is for school children (podcast, articles and blog posts). In my opinion, physical activities are being ignored as a potential reason for decreased test scores and behavioral problems in school districts. When children are made to sit all day long, they will act out, be inattentive and […]
Brain Gym proponents as well as some pediatric therapists have been promoting the concept that drinking water can help learning. One of the 4 components of the PACE program from Brain Gym is to drink water to provide energy for the brain. The current issue of Pediatrics reports on another benefit of water for school […]
Here is a fun activity that encourages upper extremity muscle strengthening, proprioceptive input and tactile input. What more sensory motor activities? Check out 50 Sensory Motor Activities for Kids!.
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology published research on the relationship of physical fitness and Gross Motor Function Measure scores in children with cerebral palsy (45 with hemiplegia and 23 with spastic diplegia). The study results indicated no relationship between aerobic capacity and body mass index and sections D (standing) and E (walking, running and jumping) […]
After the poll results from the last few weeks, we have set up a team blog for pediatric occupational and physical therapists. I think this is a great idea to share ideas, links, discussions and more. Be sure to visit. All you have to do is email us with your email address to approve you […]
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will provide millions of dollars to help fund IDEA Part B and Part C. Therapists need to be informed regarding the distribution and purpose of this money. The goals of the IDEA Recovery Funds for Services to Children and Youths (early intervention through high school students) with […]
Heard about this on Twitter NICHY – TECHMATRIX – http://www.techmatrix.org/index.aspx . This is a great website to compare different products and do research on assistive technology. It is super easy and super informative! I always like that.
Researchers in Taiwan determined that children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and suspected DCD perform significantly lower on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales and School Function Assessment when compared to typically developing peers. This indicated that the children with DCD and suspected DCD exhibit inadequate functional skills at home and school. Limitations of the study […]
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology published research that compared children with cerebral palsy’s scores on the GMFM-66 and the Vineland over 3 years. The study results indicated that there is a significant relationship between what a child can do (GMFM)and what a child does do (Vineland). The relationship was more positive for GMFCS Level I […]
Here are two interesting research studies on autism and motor skills both from Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology. One study reports that out of 101 children with ASD (wide range of ASD and IQ), 79% exhibits movement impairments as reported on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children. Children with childhood autism and IQ of less […]