A one-week intensive exercise program based on virtual reality (VR) failed to improve posture control in children with cerebral palsy (CP). These are the preliminary findings of a larger study assessing the effects of a six-week, therapist-monitored home VR gaming program designed for children and adolescents with CP.
Students with disabilities are gaining access to higher education more than in the past. Accessibility laws have helped greatly, but some students require more than access to be successful. Going to college is a must for many people with disabilities because manual labor often isn’t possible. While in high…
Children with moderate-to-severe spastic cerebral palsy experience more lower, but not upper, leg muscle fatigue when walking compared to healthy children, a case control study shows. The study, “Lower limb muscle fatigue during walking in children with cerebral palsy,” was published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology.
A systematic approach is necessary when evaluating pain in children with medical complexities who cannot verbally communicate pain, according to a new study. The study, “CE: Original Research Pain in Nonverbal Children with Medical Complexity A Two-Year Retrospective Study,” was published in the American Journal of Nursing. Pain is a basic symptom of many medical…
Botox (Dysport) injections in lower leg muscles improve muscle tone, movement and gait in children with spastic cerebral palsy and lasts up to three months, regardless of the number of treatment sessions, a new study shows. The study, “Effectiveness of multiple botulinum toxin sessions and the duration…
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a type of chronic lung disease, is a risk factor for the development of cerebral palsy (CP) in preterm infants, a new study shows. The study, “Association between bronchopulmonary dysplasia and cerebral palsy in children: a meta-analysis,” was published in the journal BMJ Open. Studies have…
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…
Going to a hair salon is a unique adventure for people with cerebral palsy. Sitting still through hair washing and a styling session can be difficult. I often find myself wishing the hairstylists and salon personnel were better informed about people with disabilities. Here’s some advice for…
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…
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…