Research
Current research and reports in pediatric physical therapy.
Care Pathway for Early Detection of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy has traditionally been diagnosed between 12-24 months of age because there is no laboratory biomarker for cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is diagnosed based on a combination of clinical signs, neurological symptoms and physical limitations. Late diagnosis means some infants do not receive early intervention when they would benefit most. Early detection enables timely early intervention when the greatest gains are possible from neuroplasticity.
Physical Therapy Management of Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A 2018 Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline From the APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy
This update of the 2013 CMT clinical practice guideline (CPG) informs clinicians and families as to whom to monitor, treat, and/or refer and when and what to treat. It links 17 action statements with explicit levels of critically appraised evidence and expert opinion with recommendations on implementation of the CMT CPG into practice.
State of the Evidence Traffic Lights 2019: Systematic Review of Interventions for Preventing and Treating Children with Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability of childhood, but the rate is falling, and severity is lessening. This article summarizes the best available evidence interventions for preventing and managing cerebral palsy in 2019.
Effect of Bimanual Intensive Therapy (Gordon, 2007)
Children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) have impairments in bimanual coordination above and beyond their unilateral impairments. Recently we developed hand–arm bimanual intensive therapy (HABIT), using the principles of motor learning, and neuroplasticity, to address these bimanual impairments.
Effects of Physical Activity on Motor Skills and Cognitive Development in Early Childhood: A Systematic Review
This study synthesized literature concerning casual evidence of effects of various physical activity programs on motor skills and cognitive development in typically developed preschool children.
How Has COVID-19 Impacted Infants and Toddlers’ Social Development?
There are many unknowns about what developmental, social, emotional, and mental health impacts the COVID-19 crisis has had on young children. These research findings emphasize the necessity to ensure COVID-induced harms are addressed and don’t affect future development, learning, and success.
Indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children
The generation of children with their age-specific experience of the COVID-19 pandemic needs to be followed and assessed for effects on their neurodevelopment, educational attainment, social development, physical and mental health, and life-long mental and physical health.
PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY
Evidence Based Resources for Pediatric Therapists
A Facebook group for evidence based discussion with experienced therapists on diverse topics in pediatric therapy.
