Starfish Updates
Blog: Check out our most recent blog posts! This month we talk about Pet Therapy, Avoiding No-Win Situations, Concerns about Gross Motor Development, and how to make a Lycra Swing. We use kids games like an Easter Egg Hunt, 3-D Masking Tape Maze, Head to Toe Movement Game, StoryKit App, Stomp Rockets, winter activities like Skiing, Balance Beams and Marbles. We also talk about activities for fine motor skills by using Velcro Popsicle Sticks, Velcro Blocks, and Cross Disciplinary Toys. Video Series: Our additions to our video series this month are:
New Addition: We're so excited to announce that at the end of the month we will finally have our first treadmill to use in therapy!
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Out and About
Spread the Word to End the Word March 7th was dedicated to this cause to end the use of the word retard/retarded. The campaign was started by the Special Olympics and is being supported by many by signing an online pledge. Many bloggers have taken up the cause as well. Love that Max has written a great post and created an amazing video. She also has a post with other bloggers who have linked up to share their support. Despite the support there has also been backlash from people. Lastly, Herding Cats wrote an amazing piece on the word retarded. I hope everyone takes a moment to spread the word to end the word and support this cause.
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Just For Fun
 Duck Duck Moose has created another great app for kids. Draw and Tell is the newest in their line of kids apps and allows for open ended creativity. They have also created Coloring Pages to add to your child's fun! |
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Greetings!
Hello again! Since March is cerebral palsy awareness month, we have included some recently published research related to physical therapy intervention. Enjoy! |
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Managing Spastic Tone in Children with Cerebral Palsy Using Repetitive Passive motion: A Recent Study
 Your Therapy Source included information about a new study regarding using repetitive passive motion in children with cerebral palsy (CP) in their recent blog and we thought it would be worth sharing as well during CP awareness month. The study is published in the March edition of the Journal of Rehabilitative Medicine.
The purpose of the study was to explore the effects of continuous passive motion on lower extremity spastic hypertonia and ambulatory function. Effects were evaluated by measuring range of motion, muscle tone, and ambulatory function before, immediately after, and 30 minutes after continuous motion was applied. Results of the study showed significant differences in the following: active knee range of motion was increased, muscle tone as measured by the Modified Ashworth Scale was decreased, and ambulatory function as measured by the timed up and go and 6-minute walk tests was increased. There was no significant difference in passive range of motion. The authors have concluded that continuous passive motion can reduce lower extremity hypertonicity and improve ambulatory function. To visit Your Therapy Source Blog click here.
Cheng HY, Ju YY, Chen CL, Wong MK. Managing spastic hypertonia in children with cerebral palsy via repetitive passive knee movements. J Rehabil Med. 2012 Mar;44(3):235-40 |
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Effects of Treadmill Training on Children with Cerebral Palsy
 Recently, there has been great interest by pediatric therapists in gait training using a treadmill and it's effects on gross motor function and ambulation in children with neuromuscular disabilities. One study in particular looked at the effects of a short-term, intensive, locomotor treadmill training program in children with CP between 2.5-3.9 years of age. The purpose was to see if this type of training would improve gross motor function related to walking speed and abilities.
Six children participated in an intensive treadmill training program three times a week for four weeks. Their function was measured before, after, and then again at a 1-month follow up using different gross motor function and mobility measures as well as walking speed and ability measures.
The results were significantly improved gross motor function as well as walking speed and distance. Therefore, the authors concluded that there is preliminary evidence that children younger than 4 years can improve their gross motor function, walking speed, and walking endurance after participating in a short-term intensive treadmill training program.
Mattern-Baxter K, Bellamy S; Mansoor JK. Effects of Intensive Locomotor Treadmill Training on Young Children with Cerebral Palsy. Pediatric Physical Therapy. Win 2009, Vol 21 (4); 308-318.
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Thank you for reading this month. See you in April!
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Sincerely,
Your Friends at
Starfish Therapies
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