A recent study by Dr. Cyril Schneider, Line Nadeau et al compared visual motor coordination of children with a birth history of prematurity versus full term gestation.   The children who were born before 28 weeks gestation had significant differences in interhemispheric time, lengthened programming time for dominant hand pointing and opposite bilateral pointing.

Reference:   Dr. Cyril Schneider, Line Nadeau et al (2008) Visuo-motor coordination in 8-year-old children born pre-term before and after 28 weeks of gestation Developmental Neurorehabilitation DOI: 10.1080/17518420801887547

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The current issue of Spine reports on a retrospective review indicating that intrathecal baclofen therapy (ITB) pumps can be implanted before, during or after spinal fusion surgery in children with cerebral palsy without increased risk of complications such as catheter malfunctions, infections and pump failures. 

Reference:  Borowski, Andrzej MD ; Shah, Suken A. MD ; Littleton, Aaron G. BSc; Dabney, Kirk W. MD; Miller, Freeman MD  (2008) Baclofen Pump Implantation and Spinal Fusion in Children: Techniques and Complications Spine. 33(18):1995-2000, August 15, 2008.

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In a  recent study, researchers analyzed individuals with Prader Willi ability to complete puzzles.  The researchers determined that individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome rely on piece shape rather than a picture focused strategy.   Individuals with Prader-Willi performed better on achromatic puzzles than the control group.  When a puzzles with pictures were used scores did not differ between the two groups.  

Reference:  Brian N. Verdine, Georgene L. Troseth, Robert M. Hodapp, and Elisabeth M. Dykens (2008) Strategies and Correlates of Jigsaw Puzzle and Visuospatial Performance by Persons With Prader-Willi Syndrome American Journal on Mental Retardation: Vol. 113, No. 5, pp. 343–355.  doi: 10.1352/2008.113:342-355

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A recent study published in the American Journal of Mental Retardation, reports that parents of preschool aged children with developmental disabilities who participated in a 12 week Incredible Years Parent Training Program displayed superior results in reducing negative parent child interactions and behavior problems when compared to the control group who did not receive the parent training.

Reference:   McIntyre, Laura Lee (2008) Parent Training for Young Children With Developmental Disabilities: Randomized Controlled Trial American Journal on Mental Retardation: Vol. 113, No. 5, pp. 356–368.

doi: 10.1352/2008.113:356-368  

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The current issue of Gait and Posture reports on joint stiffness and gait patterns of 98 children (mean age 11.7 years old) with Down's Syndrome.  The children with Down's Syndrome exhibited the following gait patterns: increased hip flexion, knee flexion in stance phase, decreased knee range of motion and plantar flexion at initial contact and limited ankle power.  Hip joint stiffness was increased in the group of children with Down's Syndrome.

Reference:  Manuela Galli, Chiara Rigoldi, Reinald Brunner^b, Naznin Virji-Babul and Albertini Giorgio (2008) Joint stiffness and gait pattern evaluation in children with Down syndrome.  Gait & Posture

Volume 28, Issue 3, October 2008, Pages 502-506. doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2008.03.001    

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