Children with cerebral palsy (CP) caused by stroke and affecting one side of the body may have difficulties in activities involving both limbs — such as hitting a target with their hands — due to motor problems combined with visuospatial attention deficits, a study suggests. Rehabilitation programs for children…
Depression, low self‐esteem, and their children’s limitations in mobility and communication can impact the parenting stress of mothers caring for sons or daughters with cerebral palsy, a study suggests. The findings call attention to the importance of watching for the emotional and cognitive well-being of parents — especially mothers…
Implanting an infusion pump that continuously delivers the muscle relaxant baclofen to the spinal canal is a safe and effective treatment for muscle stiffness in people with neurological conditions, including cerebral palsy (CP), and provides a great degree of satisfaction to patients, according to 19 years of…
Muscle composition and structure is altered in children with cerebral palsy — with greater amounts of collagen in the muscles’ network of proteins and sugars — making these patients more prone to stiffness and contractures that prevent normal movement, a study finds. The study, “Contribution of extracellular…
The energy children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) spend to move on a manual wheelchair is equal to or lesser than that spent on walking in patients with a lower level of disability, a study suggests. This energy expenditure can be reliably measured by counting the total number…
Resistance training exercises can improve muscle strength and motor skills in children with cerebral palsy (CP), according to a recent review study. More studies, however, are necessary to understand the clinical relevance of the results and find the best training regimens, researchers noted. The study, “Impact of Resistance…
Including virtual reality therapy in rehabilitation programs can be a positive and enjoyable way of improving balance and walking ability in children with cerebral palsy (CP), according to a recent review. In line with the available evidence, its researchers advise using virtual reality therapy as a complement to conventional…
Scientists at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center have found that using the cancer medicine Velcade (bortezomib) in mice prevents the formation of muscle contractures, or tightness of muscles — one of the most disabling problems faced by children with cerebral palsy (CP) or brachial plexus…
A Swedish research program — involving a multidisciplinary team of professionals in collaboration with individuals with cerebral palsy and their families — will evaluate the existing healthcare conditions in Sweden, look at ways to equalize access to care, and develop new technologies to improve the healthcare management of people…
An educational program that hones cognitive skills using storytelling appears to help promote engagement at school by children with cerebral palsy (CP), a study shows. Although preliminary, this is the first report describing the benefits of educational interventions for improving school involvement in children with CP. The…