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Upper Extremity Strength Measurement in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Physical Therapy published a systemic review of available instruments to measure upper extremity strength in children with cerebral palsy.  The researchers identified 6 different measurement instruments.  Two test-retest reliability studies were rated as “fair” for the level of evidence. All other studies were rated as “unknown” for the level of evidence.The researchers concluded the following: […]

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Vocational Activities and Autism

The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities published research that examined the relationship over time between behavioral functioning (autism symptoms, maladaptive behaviors, activities of daily living) and vocational/educational activities of 153 adults (mean age of 30.2 years) with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The results were the following: greater vocational independence and engagement was related to reductions […]

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Sight and Sound in Children with Autism

The Journal of Neuroscience published research on the senses of sight and sound in children with autism.  Vanderbilt University researchers compared 32 typically developing children ages 6-18 years old with 32 high-functioning children with autism, matching the groups in almost every possible way including IQ.These participants worked through many different tasks, mostly all computer generated. […]

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Orthotics and Children with Hypotonia

Pediatric Physical Therapy published a systemic review on the efficacy and evidence of using orthoses for children with hypotonia. Ten articles met the inclusion criteria although none were Level I evidence (evidence from properly designed randomized controlled trials). The results found that data was reported for body structure and activity components, but not participation outcomes. […]

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Free App Suggestions for OT and PT

Here are three free apps today, mostly for the OT crew, until 10 pm at least if interested: Gappy’s Mystery Letters https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gappys-mystery-letters/id691260469?mt=8You can practice letter formation following the dots, match up mystery letters and draw. Counting Dots https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/counting-dots-preschool-toddler/id484775327?mt=8Excellent basic practice for counting, visual tracking, visual motor and finger isolation skills. Buzzle – https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/buzzle-kids-free-educational/id452974777?mt=8Cute app combining visual perceptual puzzles […]

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Goal Directed OT Programs Effective for Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

A systematic review of the efficacy of nonsurgical upper limb therapies for children with unilateral cerebral palsy was published in Pediatrics.  There were 42 randomized control or comparison trials that met the inclusion criteria.  The results indicated the following: moderate to strong effects were in favor of intramuscular injections of botulinum toxin A and occupational […]