The Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation published research on the effects of hippotherapy on 32 children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. The children received 2, 30 minute sessions, of hippotherapy for 8 weeks. Walking speed, stride length, and pelvic kinematics (average pelvic anterior tilt, pelvic anterior tilt at initial contact, pelvic anterior tilt at […]
The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) is offering grant money of up to $90,000 if you are a non profit 501(c). Here are some details: The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation is dedicated to helping young Americans with disabilities maximize their potential and participation in society. The Foundation supports organizations and projects within its mission that […]
Wow! A new app was released for the iPad from Attainment called the Attainment Switch. For only $4.99 you can turn your iPad into a wireless switch device. I tested it out today and it works great. I only tested it on some simple games to play but was very pleased. Basically you download the […]
Thanks to Jessica Helvey, MS OTR/L for this guest post: Occupational Therapy with Gogo’s Crazy BonesA product review of a new occupation-based toy I’ve been an occupational therapist for six years and I have worked with a variety of clients. I thought my “toolkit” for engaging clients in purposeful, meaningful activities was pretty well rounded—until […]
A small study from John Hopkins indicates that prescribing an individualized exercise program to children with cystic fibrosis improved lung function. Fifty eight children ranging in age from 6 to 16 years old received individualized exercise programs such as taking a stroll or playing the Wii. After two months of following the exercise regimen exercise […]
Pediatric Physical Therapy published research on the effects of aerobic exercise on academics in young children with autism. In the experimental phase of the treatment, the children participated in 15 minutes of aerobic activity prior to academic tasks. In the control phase, the children only completed the academic tasks. The results indicated a significant difference […]
A randomized controlled trial on strength and balance training in children with down syndrome was published in Clinical Rehabilitation . Twenty three children with Down Syndrome were divided into two groups – an experimental group who received 6 weeks of progressive resistive exercise and balance training and a control group (no intervention). The results indicated […]
Here is some great information on creating and working with outdoor environments for children with autism and special needs or view below. This hand out gives an overview of autism and sensory integration followed by research on the role of nature in autism and design guidelines. The hand out was created based on a webinar […]
Pediatric Physical Therapy published research using task analysis and a scoring code for donning coats in preschool children. The 171 preschool children were scored three times per year and the data revealed the following: at first scoring 22 children were able to put on coat independently and 149 required help at final scoring 75 of […]
Here is a guest post about a great charitable organization that provides shoes for kids at the APTA conference each year.Bringing New Shoes and Smiles to Kids in Need The mission of Shoes4Kids is to provide disadvantaged youth a new pair of athletic shoes and socks, thereby improving their health and wellness. Since 2006, Shoes4Kids […]