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RECENT RESEARCH AND LINKS
October 2007 RECENT RESEARCH:
ALL and Motor Timing:
Recent research indicated that children who were treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia
(ALL) with only chemotherapy resulted in deficits in motor timing and judgement of long
duration.  The children in the study (only 22) were at least 5 years post treatment.  Previous
research has indicated that children who are treated for ALL with only chemo experience
cerebellar-frontal system changes.
Reference:  Mahone, E., Prahme, M., Ruble, K. et al. (2007) Motor and Perceptual Timing Deficits Among
Survivors of Childhood Leukemia.  J. Pediatr. Psychol 32(8): 918-925

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy Candidates:
Recent research indicated that Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy is most beneficial if candidates
for the surgery are carefully selected.  The candidates were between 5-10 years old, IQ of
at least 70, moderate to severe spasticity, no other chronic medical problems, moderate
balance, and not overweight.  
Reference: Cole, G, Roberts, A., Stewart, C et al. (2007) Selective dorsal rhizotomy for children with
cerebral palsy: the Oswestry experience.  Archives of Disease in Childhood 2007;92:781-785.

Baltic, S (2007) Rhizotomy Reduces Spasticity in Selected Patients With Cerebral Palsy retrieved from web
on 9/13/07 at http://adc.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/92/9/781

Lazy Eye and Use of Eye Patches:
Recent research indicated that children with lazy eye only have to wear a patch over the
affected eye 3-4 hours day for 12 weeks to improve vision.  
Reference:  Article retrieved from web on 9/15/07 Children With Lazy Eye Need Only Wear Patches A Few
Hours A Day at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/82491.php?nfid=53060#ratethis

Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Fine Motor Skills:
According to the September 2007 issue of The Laryngoscope, children diagnosed with
sensorineural hearing loss with no known neurological conditions exhibit a decrease in
visual reception and fine motor skills as the children get older.  The decrease in skills varied
based on the etiology of the children's deafness.  
Reference:  Pierson, S, Caudle, S. Krull, K. et al. (2007) Cognition in Children With Sensorineural Hearing
Loss: Etiologic Considerations.  Laryngoscope   117(9):1661-1665.

Physical Fitness and Asthma:
Press release from the American College of Sports Medicine indicated that physical fitness
improves asthma management in children.
Reference:  Article retrieved from the web on 9/18/07 PHYSICAL FITNESS IMPROVES ASTHMA
MANAGEMENT IN CHILDREN at
http://www.acsm.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home_Page&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONT
ENTID=8124.

ADHD Medication and Long Term School Performance
Article on large study done by Mayo Clinic on the beneficial influence of medications for
ADHD and school performance such as absenteeism, grade retention and dropping out of
school.   
Reference:  Article retrieved from web on 9/19/07 Mayo Clinic Study Indicates Medication For AD/HD May
Help Student Outcomes at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/82892.php?nfid=53060.

Casting and Soft Music
Research indicated that playing soft music in room helped to decrease anxiety in children
who were being casted.
Reference:  Liu, R. et al. (2007) A Randomized Prospective Study of Music Therapy for Reducing Anxiety
During Cast Room Procedures.  Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics. 27(7):831-833.

Virtual Reality and Reaching
This small study concluded that the use of virtual reality improved reaching skills in children
with cerebral palsy who exhibited normal cognition and cooperation.
Reference:   Chen, Yu-Ping, Kang, Lin-Ju, Chuang, Tien-Yow, Doong, Ji-Liang, Lee, Shwn-Jan, Tsai,
Mei-Wun, Jeng, Suh-Fang, Sung, Wen-Hsu  Use of Virtual Reality to Improve Upper-Extremity Control in
Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Single-Subject Design PHYS THER 2007 0: ptj.20060062
Disclaimer:  These pages are not intended to provide medical advice or physician/therapist instruction.  
Information provided should not be used for diagnostic or training purposes.  Consult a therapist or
physician regarding specific diagnoses or medical advice.
October 2007 - LINKS

1.  Posture Website - Check it out at www.livingposture.com

2.  Article on non medicinal treatment of ADHD in children.  Check it out at
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-08/lu-ntt082107.php.  At the bottom of the
article is also a link to a podcast by one of the researchers.