Oftentimes, parents will ask how quickly will their child progress. Or wonder will they continue to make progress? Each and every child with cerebral palsy is unique so this is a very difficult question to answer. Research can help tackle the issue of the development of hand use in unilateral cerebral palsy. WHAT DOES THE […]
Many occupational and physical therapists have used neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT) when helping children with cerebral palsy. Neurodevelopmental treatment is a hands-on approach. The goal is to help improve gross motor skills in children and adults who have neurological problems. This can help them be more independent in different areas of their lives. In simple terms, […]
Pediatric therapists often notice that scapular alignment can play a role in the function of individuals with cerebral palsy. Researchers took a closer look at the link between scapular alignment and upper extremity performance. METHODOLOGY This study included eighty-five children who were 3-6 years old (63 boys and 22 girls) with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. […]
A recent study looked closely at muscle activation and AFOs (ankle foot orthotics). The researchers explored how AFOs affect muscle activity during walking in the lower leg and ankle. Pediatric physical therapists frequently work on gait training with children who have cerebral palsy and use orthotics. The results of the study may be helpful in […]
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology published research on therapeutic interventions for cerebral palsy. The goal was to provide recommendations to improve physical function for children and young people with cerebral palsy. Methodology An expert panel used various methods to assess the evidence and made recommendations. The recommendations compiled in the guidelines were based on three […]
Do you work with children who have cerebral palsy? Recent research on upper limb training dosage and functional improvements was published in the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal. This research review was conducted to quantify which rehabilitation training approaches and doses results in the largest clinically significant functional improvements. Results of the Study This systematic review […]
When working on motor skills with children who have cerebral palsy, do you consider pain management as well? A recent study took a close look at pain levels, motor skill abilities and children with cerebral palsy. Methodology – Study on Cerebral Palsy, Pain, and Motor Skills Data was extracted from a national survey completed by […]
Did you know that core stability exercises can improve hand functions in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy? Recent research examined the effectiveness of core stability exercises on hand functions in 52 children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (ages 6-8 years old). Methodology The children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy were randomly assigned to two (control and study) […]
Did you know that pulmonary dysfunction is the leading cause of death in people with cerebral palsy? Pediatric therapists, especially Physical Therapists, often work with children to work on their pulmonary function and provide breathing exercises for cerebral palsy. Physical Therapy recently published research on this topic. The purpose of the study on breathing exercises […]
Do you work with children who have a jump gait and cerebral palsy? Are you looking to improve their walking pattern? A jump gait is when a child walks with an increased lumbar lordosis, anterior pelvic tilt, excessive hip and knee flexion and they are up on their toes. Whereas a crouch gait, is when […]