As featured in Cerebral Palsy Alliance Abstract PURPOSE: To describe a daily physical therapy (PT) intervention program and outcomes for 2 toddlers with spastic quadriplegia, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level V, and to evaluate the feasibility of using a daily program in an urban children’s hospital outpatient setting. SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS: Two toddlers, GMFCS level V, received 2 hours of PT intervention based on motor learning principles 5 days a week for […]
Category: Cerebral Palsy
Reliability and practicability of the straight leg raise test in children with cerebral palsy.
As featured in Cerebral Palsy Alliance Abstract AIM: Preventing restrictions to lower limb movement is part of the treatment given to children with cerebral palsy (CP). Such restrictions can be assessed using the ‘straight leg raise’ (SLR) test. This study investigated the interrater reliability and practicability of the SLR test in children with CP. METHOD: Experienced physiotherapists examined 23 children with CP (6-18y; eight females, 15 males) twice. The SLR hip range of motion (ROM) […]
Providing Dental Care For Patients With Disabilities
BY CARRIE STETLER With a shortage of special needs facilities, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine clinic serves a vulnerable population. Dennis Fitzpatrick had 17 cavities by the time he arrived at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine’s special care center seven years ago. Fitzpatrick, 27, who suffers from cerebral palsy, had regular checkups throughout childhood, but his dental decay had progressed so far, four of his teeth had to be removed. Because of his disability, […]
Best Clinical Practice in Botulinum Toxin Treatment for Children with Cerebral Palsy.
Abstract Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) is considered a safe and effective therapy for children with cerebral palsy (CP), especially in the hands of experienced injectors and for the majority of children. Recently, some risks have been noted for children with Gross Motor Classification Scale (GMFCS) of IV and the risks are substantial for level V. Recommendations for treatment with BoNT-A have been published since 1993, with continuous optimisation and development of new treatment concepts. This […]
Prevention, Evaluation, And Management Of Low Bone Density – PART 1
BY PHILIP MAY MD Prevention, Evaluation, and Management of Low Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Encountered in Adults with Developmental and Intellectual DisabilitiesClinical experience and published reports have shown that low BMD is especially common in adults with developmental disabilities, such as intellectual disability, epilepsy, autism, and cerebral palsy. Abstract For various reasons, high frequency of low bone mineral density (BMD) and increased risk for fracture are often encountered in adults with “medically complex developmental disabilities” […]