Category Archives: 2016
Early motor skills training in ASD improves locomotion, socialization
Intense therapy creates quick gains – Intense motor skills interventions in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can significantly improve locomotor and other lower extremity skills in addition to socialization behaviors, according to a recent pilot study.
By Peaches Scribner
Posted in November, 2016, Pediatric Clinical News
Leave a comment
AFO effects on gastrocnemius underscore heterogeneity of CP
Variations call for adjustable devices – Outfitting pediatric cerebral palsy (CP) patients with two types of ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) elicited various effects, as the medial gastrocnemius operating length in some—but not all—participants was consequently stretched while walking, according to a recent study.
By Greg Gargiulo
Posted in November, 2016, Pediatric Clinical News
Leave a comment
Home-based ACL injury prevention program fails the compliance test
Oversight, feedback may up buy-in – The idea of injury prevention training in the comfort of one’s own home is appealing on many levels, and researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are taking steps toward making that type of training feasible and effective for young athletes.
By Chris Klingenberg
Posted in November, 2016, Pediatric Clinical News
Leave a comment
Therapeutic play plus O&P care is a win-win for kids
O&P practitioners are working with recreational therapists to open doors to leisure activities for kids with lower extremity issues and other disabilities. By expanding their playtime experiences and skills, kids can boost their physical activity, mobility, self-confidence, and social connections.
By Brigid Elsken Galloway
Posted in November, 2016, Pediatric Feature
Leave a comment
Path of least resistance: Sequencing orthotic care
The higher profile the device, the more it perturbs movement, and sometimes kids reject such orthoses because of discomfort or unwieldiness. Starting with the least restrictive device and responding to subtle changes in children’s orthotic needs may improve outcomes and compliance.
By Hank Black
Posted in Pediatric Feature, November, 2016
Leave a comment
Bilateral long-jump practice ups takeoff leg performance
Benefits persist 3 weeks after training – Bilateral practice should be established early in youth long-jump training programs to improve the jumping performance of their dominant (takeoff) leg, according to research from Karlsruhe, Germany, that may have implications for other track and field events.
By Katie Bell
Posted in August, 2016, Pediatric Clinical News
Leave a comment
Surgery beats conservative care for first-time kneecap dislocations
Less recurrence, better sports outcomes – Adolescent patients with first-time acute patellar dislocations treated surgically have a lower risk for recurrent dislocation and higher knee-related quality of life and sports-related outcomes compared with those managed…
By Greg Gargiulo
Posted in August, 2016, Pediatric Clinical News
Leave a comment
Whole body vibration boosts speed, stride length in toe-walkers
Most improvements are transient – The findings of a recent Australian study add to early evidence in support of whole body vibration (WBV) as a potentially simple, noninvasive treatment for children with idiopathic toe walking (ITW), with mechanisms still to be worked out.
By Larry Hand
Posted in August, 2016, Pediatric Clinical News
Leave a comment
Improving gait without making kids feel ‘broken’
A normal gait is often the goal for children with neuromuscular disorders and mobility impairments, but research suggests this may come at the price of children’s positive self-identity. These issues are leading some practitioners toward more holistic, family-centered approaches to walking.
By Brigid Galloway
Posted in Pediatric Feature, August, 2016
Leave a comment
Patellofemoral pain in children and teens
Pediatric patellofemoral pain hasn’t historically received much research attention. Recently some experts have said it can have a long-term negative impact. New research suggests some basic solutions to the common yet often overlooked problem that can cause kids to drop out of sports.
By Lori Roniger
Posted in Pediatric Feature, August, 2016
Leave a comment