The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) is widely used to describe the functional levels of children with cerebral palsy. There is also a Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) used to describe the functional use of the hands of children with cerebral palsy. Now an additional classification system has been developed – the Communication Function […]
Disability and Rehabilitation published research on hip pain in children with severe cerebral palsy and hip dislocation. Seventy three children ages 4 through 10.8 years old had a total of 99 dislocated hips. Medical records were reviewed for previous physical therapy interventions (abduction therapy, no abduction therapy and abduction/ hippotherapy). Pain level was measured. In […]
Research was conducted with 38 children with severe spastic cerebral palsy and the use of intrathecal baclofen (ITB). Twenty children were assessed before receiving the ITB and at 9 and 18 months post ITB. The remaining 18 children waited 9 months to serve as a control period for the two groups. The results indicated the […]
Research was conducted comparing two groups of children ranging from 3.5 to 10 years old (42 in total) with hemiplegia. The children were randomly assigned to receive 90 hours of constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) or 90 hours of bimanual training (HABIT). Following the training, both the CIMT and HABIT resulted in improved hand function […]
Recently a pilot study was published on the beliefs of parents and their children have regarding walking. Six parents and six children (GMCFS III or IV) participated in private interviews regarding social beliefs about walking. The qualitative analysis of the data revealed that parents felt that to be a “good parent” they needed to try […]
The frequency of school based therapy and medically based therapy is not a completely objective process for children with cerebral palsy. Therapists seem to base recommendations on research, education and their own experiences. One type of frequency that I rarely see prescribed is intensive bursts of therapy followed by rest periods with no therapy. This […]
Pediatric Physical Therapy published research on the effect of weight-bearing in abduction and extension on hip stability in children with cerebral palsy. Three non ambulatory children with cerebral palsy post surgery participated in a standing program with hips in maximum abduction and hip and knee extension. Following one year of the standing program the three […]
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology published research on context therapy for children with cerebral palsy. Therapists were trained that in order to achieve parent identified functional goals for the child the therapist was to change the task and/or the environment rather than change the abilities of the child. A three step intervention process was established. […]
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 […]
Pain Medicine published research on age related changes of pain experiences in individuals with cerebral palsy. Pain, touch sensitivity and quality of life was evaluated in 86 individuals with cerebral palsy compared to 115 healthy volunteers. The subjects were grouped by age: 6-10 years, 11-17 years and 18-30 years old. The results indicated that the […]