ALL and Motor Timing:

Recent research indicated that children who were treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with only chemotherapy resulted in deficits in motor timing and judgement of long duration.  The children in the study (only 22) were at least 5 years post treatment.  Previous research has indicated that children who are treated for ALL with only chemo experience cerebellar-frontal system changes.

Reference:  Mahone, E., Prahme, M., Ruble, K. et al. (2007) Motor and Perceptual Timing Deficits Among Survivors of Childhood Leukemia.  J. Pediatr. Psychol 32(8): 918-925

 

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy Candidates:

Recent research indicated that Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy is most beneficial if candidates for the surgery are carefully selected.  The candidates were between 5-10 years old, IQ of at least 70, moderate to severe spasticity, no other chronic medical problems, moderate balance, and not overweight.

Reference: Cole, G, Roberts, A., Stewart, C et al. (2007) Selective dorsal rhizotomy for children with cerebral palsy: the Oswestry experience.  Archives of Disease in Childhood 2007;92:781-785.

Baltic, S (2007) Rhizotomy Reduces Spasticity in Selected Patients With Cerebral Palsy retrieved from web on 9/13/07 at http://adc.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/92/9/781

 

Lazy Eye and Use of Eye Patches:

Recent research indicated that children with lazy eye only have to wear a patch over the affected eye 3-4 hours day for 12 weeks to improve vision.  

Reference:  Article retrieved from web on 9/15/07 Children With Lazy Eye Need Only Wear Patches A Few Hours A Day at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/82491.php?nfid=53060#ratethis

 

Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Fine Motor Skills:

According to the September 2007 issue of The Laryngoscope, children diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss with no known neurological conditions exhibit a decrease in visual reception and fine motor skills as the children get older.  The decrease in skills varied based on the etiology of the children’s deafness.

Reference:  Pierson, S, Caudle, S. Krull, K. et al. (2007) Cognition in Children With Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Etiologic Considerations.  Laryngoscope   117(9):1661-1665.

 

Physical Fitness and Asthma:

Press release from the American College of Sports Medicine indicated that physical fitness improves asthma management in children.

Reference:  Article retrieved from the web on 9/18/07 PHYSICAL FITNESS IMPROVES ASTHMA MANAGEMENT IN CHILDREN at http://www.acsm.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home_Page&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=8124.

 

ADHD Medication and Long Term School Performance

Article on large study done by Mayo Clinic on the beneficial influence of medications for ADHD and school performance such as absenteeism, grade retention and dropping out of school.

Reference:  Article retrieved from web on 9/19/07 Mayo Clinic Study Indicates Medication For AD/HD May Help Student Outcomes at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/82892.php?nfid=53060.

 

Casting and Soft Music

Research indicated that playing soft music in room helped to decrease anxiety in children who were being casted.

Reference:  Liu, R. et al. (2007) A Randomized Prospective Study of Music Therapy for Reducing Anxiety During Cast Room Procedures.  Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics. 27(7):831-833.

 

Virtual Reality and Reaching

This small study concluded that the use of virtual reality improved reaching skills in children with cerebral palsy who exhibited normal cognition and cooperation.

Reference:   Chen, Yu-Ping, Kang, Lin-Ju, Chuang, Tien-Yow, Doong, Ji-Liang, Lee, Shwn-Jan, Tsai, Mei-Wun, Jeng, Suh-Fang, Sung, Wen-Hsu  Use of Virtual Reality to Improve Upper-Extremity Control in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Single-Subject Design PHYS THER 2007 0: ptj.20060062

 

October 2007 – LINKS

  1. Posture Website – Check it out at www.livingposture.com
  2. Article on non medicinal treatment of ADHD in children.  Check it out at
    http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-08/lu-ntt082107.php.  At the bottom of the
    article is also a link to a podcast by one of the researchers.