Future research should focus on studies across the lifespan of cerebral palsy patients, with emphasis on participation and quality of life measures, according to a research agenda for cerebral palsy developed by patients, caregivers, and clinicians. The study, “Setting a patient-centered research agenda for cerebral palsy: a…
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded a $2.5 million research grant to study the effectiveness of an innovative approach to improve the ability of children with cerebral palsy to walk. This translational research grant was awarded to Noelle Moreau, PhD, an associate professor of physical therapy at Louisiana State…
Using two complementary assessment tools may better define the functional abilities of children with cerebral palsy, which could help clinicians pinpoint the best treatments and services for each patient, according to a study conducted in Jordan. The study, “Functional profiles of children with cerebral palsy in…
The largest worldwide population-based study — including all European and Australian regions — hopes to determine the frequency of specific congenital anomalies in cerebral palsy patients, as well as cerebral palsy risk for each anomaly. This may help in earlier detection and increased disease awareness, researchers say. The study, “…
Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A, Botox) treatment prior to intensive physiotherapy may not induce additional benefits in terms of motor function, muscle strength, and pain in children with spastic cerebral palsy compared to physiotherapy alone, according to a Dutch study. The study, “Intramuscular botulinum toxin prior to comprehensive rehabilitation…
Risperidone is a well-tolerated and efficient therapy to help manage motor symptoms in children with choreoathetoid cerebral palsy, according to researchers. Their study, “Effect of Risperidone on the Motor and Functional Disability in Children With Choreoathetoid Cerebral Palsy,” was published in the journal Pediatric Neurology. Children…
Data collected from a registry established at a private U.S. cord blood bank called the Longitudinal Umbilical Stem cell Monitoring and Treatment Research (LUSTRE) may provide valuable information about patients with cerebral palsy, according to researchers. Their findings were published in the study, “Comparison of children diagnosed with…
Adding core stability exercises to physical therapy improves trunk endurance — the ability to withstand fatigue — and walking ability in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, according to researchers. Their small study, “Trunk endurance and gait changes after core stability training in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: A…
A virtual reality system equipped with wearable haptic technology could help children with cerebral palsy and other neuromotor impairments rehabilitate upper limbs, an Italian study suggested. The study, “Wearable haptics and immersive virtual reality rehabilitation training in children with neuromotor impairments,” was published in IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems…
A low-cost, portable robot for arm motor rehabilitation has been developed by University of Michigan researchers. The device can be used at home and facilitates motor recovery in patients with cerebral palsy, stroke, and spinal cord injury. The study, “A Portable…