, , ,

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. […]

,

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 […]

, , ,

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 […]

Type of Practice Matters

Some new research published in Psychological Science reinforces motor learning theories on how to practice to learn a skill quickly. Data was analyzed from over 800,000 people playing an online game called Axon which tested participants’ ability to use rapid perception, decision making, and motor responses.The data revealed that some players achieved higher scores than others […]

,

Exercise and Type 2 Diabetes

Pediatrics published a systemic research review of a quantitative estimate of the effectiveness of exercise training on fasting insulin and insulin resistance in children and adolescents. The following results were reported: a small to moderate effect was found for exercise training on fasting insulin and improving insulin resistance in youth. The researchers concluded that the […]

,

Balance Skills and Girls with Visual Impairment

Pediatric Physical Therapy published research on functional balance abilities in girls with visual impairment.  The participants included 26 girls, 10-15 years old, with visual impairment who were assessed with the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and stabilography.  The following results were recorded: balance difficulties appeared in single-leg stance, tandem stance, and reaching forward PBS scores ranged […]

,

5 Tips for School Children with Tactile Sensitivity

Difficulties processing tactile information can result in some individuals being very sensitive to touch and over-reaction to objects or people in the environment. Conversely, some individuals may have decreased sensation of touch which can result in people using too much force or placing themselves in dangerous situations.Here are some suggestions to help children with tactile […]

, , ,

Gum Chewing and Headaches

Gum chewing is occasionally recommended for children as part of a sensory diet therefore I thought this research regarding gum chewing and headaches was important to mention.  Pediatric Neurology will be publishing research on 30 patients between 6-19 years old who had chronic or migraine headaches and chewed gum daily.  The medical doctor, Dr. Watemburg, […]