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Greetings!
In this issue of CanChild Today, we have highlighted recent publications by CanChild scientists, research associates, international collaborators, and post doctoral fellows, as well as new resources on the CanChild website ( www.canchild.ca). Check our 'What's New' page for new postings and announcements. Our past issues are archived on the CanChild website, and can be accessed here! Feel free to share CanChild resources and this newsletter with family, friends and colleagues. They can subscribe to CanChild Today for free by registering here. |
New Resources on CanChild's website (www.canchild.ca)!
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The Mild Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion: Infants and Toddlers brochure has recently been added to other concussion materials posted on our website. This brochure describes concussion symptoms, recovery and management, and injury prevention for very young children. The brochures were developed as part of a knowledge translation project "Education is the Key to Protecting Children's Brains". These evidence based materials are being disseminated to physicians, allied health and school personnel to help consistently manage the care of children with mild traumatic brain injury. Click here to read more.
Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy presents new video about transition to adulthood
The Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy (OFCP) has released a new video, "reIMAGINE Cerebral Palsy - How smooth transitions can change lives". This video describes issues related to the transition process from the viewpoint of young adults with cerebral palsy, parents, and physicians (CanChild's Jan Willem Gorter and Peter Rosenbaum). It was shown at the 66th Annual Meeting for The American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM). Click here to view.
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Recent Publications by CanChild Scientists, Research Associates, International Collaborators, & Post Doctoral Fellows
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Intensive therapy following upper limb botulinum toxin A injection in young children with unilateral cerebral palsy: A randomized trial
The aim of this study, published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, was to explore whether modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) leads to greater gains compared with bimanual occupational therapy in young children with hemiplegia cerebral palsy following botulinum toxin A injections. Thirty-four children were assigned to two 8 -week intervention groups. The researchers concluded there was no clinically important difference between the two groups following intervention despite the significantly increased intensity of the home programme in the mCIMT group. Both groups showed improvement over time. Authors: B Hoare, C Imms, E Villanueva, HB Rawicki, T Matyas, L Carey. Abstract.
Picture me playing - A portrait of participation and enjoyment of leisure activities in adolescents with cerebral palsy
The level of participation and enjoyment in leisure activities among 175 adolescents with cerebral palsy to whom the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) was administered is described in this article. Potential differences in participation patterns were also identified, related to socio-demographic attributes. Some of the findings included: participation generally decreased as youth grow older; girls engaged in more self-improvement activities than boys; adolescents who attend special segregated schools experienced a lower diversity and intensity of engagement in all leisure activity domains. Adolescents enjoyed mostly social and active physical activities, but participation in active physical and skill-based activities was very limited. Published in Research in Developmental Disabilities. Authors: K Shikako-Thomas, M Shevell, L Lach, M Law, N Schmitz, C Poulin, A Majnemer. Abstract.
Reproducibility of two functional field exercise tests for children with cerebral palsy who self-propel a manual wheelchair
The test-retest reliability and agreement of the 6-minute push test and the one-stroke push test, and construct validity of the 6-minute push test, was examined in children with cerebral palsy (CP) who self-propel a manual wheelchair. Participants included 73 children and adolescents with CP classified as Levels II - IV on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). The results indicate that both tests are reproducible functional tests for young people with CP who self-propel a wheelchair. Published in Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology. Authors: O Verschuren, M Ketelaar, J De Groot, F Vila Nova, T Takken. Abstract.
The relationship between manual ability and ambulation in adolescents with cerebral palsy
This study, published in Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, examined the relationship between gross motor function and manual ability in 120 adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) were administered. Correlations between the GMFCS and MACS were strong in youth with quadriplegia, moderate in individuals with diplegia, and weak for adolescents with hemiplegia. Manual ability may not match mobility in adolescents with CP and should be specifically evaluated given its importance to functioning in daily life. Authors: A Majnemer, K Shikako-Thomas, M Shevell, C Poulin, L Lach , M Law, N Schmitz. Abstract.
Exercise intervention programs for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: A descriptive review of the current research
This article, published in Critical Reviews in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, provides a review of the recent literature on exercise interventions for children and youth with cerebral palsy (CP). Questions addressed in the article relate to the primary focus of current exercise interventions, the inclusion of all functional levels of CP, and the basis for a meta-analysis. The authors conclude that greater generalizability and meaningful performance outcome measures are still necessary goals in the field of exercise rehabilitation in CP. Authors: SG Noorduyn, JW Gorter, O Verschuren, BW Timmons. Abstract.
Reliable classification of functional profiles and movement disorders of children with cerebral palsy
This study, recently e-published in Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, examined the inter-rater reliability of the Communication Function Classification System, Bimanual Fine Motor Function, Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe classification tree, and Gross Motor Function Classification System in children with cerebral palsy. Two raters assessed 20 children using the four assessments and parents rated their children on the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS). Inter-rater reliability across the four tools was strong. The results support the routine use of these four measures along with the MACS in clinical and research applications. Authors: M Randall, A Harvey, C Imms, S Reid, KJ Lee, D Reddihough. Abstract.
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