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 […]
Do you work with children who have cerebral palsy and want to improve their hand function? One study indicates that neck and trunk exercises can help! Study on Exercise, Cerebral Palsy and Hand Function The Journal of Physical Therapy Science published research examining the effects of neck and trunk stabilization exercises on hand function and […]
Pediatric Physical Therapy published research on muscle strengthening and walking in children with cerebral palsy. The purpose of this research was to determine whether changes in lower-limb muscle strength can make changes in walking capacity following 14-week periods of usual care, power training and follow-up for children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methodology A previous study […]
Pediatric therapists and parents often work on sit to stand transfers with children who have cerebral palsy. This transition can be difficult for some children but it is so important in terms of independence. When a child can transfer from sit to stand independently, it makes many activities of daily living easier such as mobility, […]
Do you work with children who have a diagnosis of hemiplegia? Many of you are probably familiar with the benefits of Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) and Hand Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy (HABIT) for children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Did you know that recent research also indicates that this type of upper extremity training […]
Are you in search of toy modifications for children with cerebral palsy or other disabilities? Whether it be at home, daycare, school or extracurricular activities, children with disabilities may benefit from modifications during playtime. The best way to think about the topic of children with cerebral palsy and toy modifications is to always remember that […]
When you complete assessments, do you use descriptive, clinical observation skills to describe posture in children with cerebral palsy or do you use quantitative data? The Posture and Postural Ability Scale is an assessment tool for children and adults to help evaluate cerebral palsy and posture. What Does the Research Say on Evaluating Cerebral Palsy […]