Determinants of gross motor function of young children with cerebral palsy: A prospective cohort study 

The primary purpose of this study was to identify the child, family, and service determinants that explain change in motor function of young children with cerebral palsy (CP). Results: For all young children with CP, enhancing postural stability and preventing secondary impairments of muscle weakness, range of motion limitations, and poor endurance might contribute to optimal motor performance. For children with greater motor challenges, focusing on enhancing adaptive behavior might result in improved motor function. Read more about the Move & PLAY study here. Published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. Authors: DJ Bartlett, LA Chiarello, SW McCoy, RJ Palisano, L Jeffries, AL Fiss, P Rosenbaum, P Wilk. Abstract.  

 

Development and validity of the early clinical assessment of balance for young children with cerebral palsy 

The Early Clinical Assessment of Balance (ECAB) was developed by Move & PLAY study investigators, to evaluate postural stability in children with CP. In this study, physical therapists scored children on the Movement Assessment of Infants Automatic Reactions section and the Pediatric Balance Scale. Results: The ECAB provides clinicians and researchers with a clinically feasible test of postural stability for 1.5- to 5-year-old children with CP across all GMFCS levels. Content and construct validity of the ECAB are supported for children with CP. Further research examining test reliability and responsiveness is needed. Published in Developmental Neurorehabilitation. Authors: SW McCoy, DJ Bartlett, A Yocum, L Jeffries, AL Fiss, L Chiarello, RJ Palisano. Abstract. 

The ABI-CA was developed in 2010 to detect the effect of residual motor deficits in balance, co-ordination, strength, speed and agility on the performance of advanced motor tasks for children with acquired brain injury (ABI). The purpose of this study, published in Brain Injury, was to revise the scaling of the tool's response sets through expert input and determination of empirically based cut-points. The revised ABI-CA was pilot-tested with four children with ABI, aged 7 - 15 years. The new response options in the ABI-CA appear suitable for testing high-functioning children with ABI. Authors: C McArthur, S Venkatesh, D Warren, D Pringle, T Doerr, NM Salbach, G Kirkwood, V Wright. Abstract. 

Understanding physical activity and motivations for children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: An investigation using the Theory of Planned Behavior 

This study published in Research in Developmental Disabilities, examined the influence of theory-based psychosocial factors on the relationship between Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and physical activity behaviors. A questionnaire with psychosocial measures was administered to boys with and without DCD, and accelerometers were used to assess their physical activity behavior over the subsequent week. The findings indicate that DCD was significantly associated with lower physical activity, and poorer physical activity cognitions, particularly with regards to attitude and perceived behavior control. A greater understanding of the psychological factors related to physical activity for children with DCD is needed. Authors: MY Kwan, J Cairney, JA Hay, BE Faught. Abstract.