INTERVIEWS IN THIS EDITION:
Studio Guest:
Linda Fetters PhD, PT, FAPTA University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Pediatric Physical Therapy Editor in Chief
Dr. Fetters adds her comments about clinical implications of the new data and insights discussed by authors interviewed in the podcast.
Author Interviews:
1. Jamie B Hall PT, DPT, PhD, PCS, Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
“Caregiver Perceptions of an Interdisciplinary Intensive Therapy Program: A Qualitative Study” Caregivers are at the center of a study using interdisciplinary intensive therapy for children with cerebral palsy and other neurodevelopmental impairments.
2: Roberto M. Benzo PhD, Assistant Professor, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus OH, USA, formerly: Department of Psychology, University of Miami FL, USA.
“Physical Fitness Among Adolescents who are Hispanic with Overweight or Obesity” New research on physical fitness in overweight and obese young people shows that it can—and should—be accurately monitored in adolescence to help spot those at risk. The study looked at 280 youngsters who were Hispanic with overweight or obesity.
3: Bethany M. Sloane PT, DPT, Pediatric Physical Therapist, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland OR, USA
“Modified Ride-on Car Intervention for Children With Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities: A Case Series” A research study looked at using power mobility devices to help children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities achieve independent mobility.
4: Julie Orlando DPT, Biomechanics & Movement Science Program, University of Delaware, Newark DE, USA “Development and Initial Evaluation of a Soft Ankle Support for Children With Ankle Impairments”
A soft ankle support for children with ankle impairments has been trialed to provide a comfortable and attractive alternative to conventional ankle-foot orthoses.
5. Marisa Birkmeier PT, DPT, DHSc, Assistant Professor, Director of Clinical Education, George Washington University, Washington, DC
“Excellence in Pediatric Physical Therapy Education: Recommendations and Action Items” An assessment of the current guideline recommendations for the pursuit of excellence in education for pediatric physical therapy students.

INTERVIEWS IN THIS EDITION

1. Amy Bailes, PT PhD
Director of Physical Therapy Research, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
“Inpatient Physical Therapy After Orthopedic Lower Extremity Surgery in Children With Cerebral Palsy”
A new study in Pediatric Physical Therapy reveals the proportion of children with cerebral palsy having physical therapy during inpatient stay after their orthopedic lower extremity surgery. The value of such therapy to inpatient care is discussed by lead author Amy Bailes. 

2. Rachel Bican, PT, DPT, PhD
Assistant Professor, Division of Physical Therapy, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
“Comparison of Gross Motor Outcomes Between Children With Cerebral Palsy From Appalachian and Non-Appalachian Counties”
Pediatric Physical Therapy researcher Rachel Bican talks about her investigation of cerebral palsy outcomes in the US Appalachian area compared to nearby non-Apalachian regions. 

3. Nancy Lennon, PT DPT MS
Department of Orthopedics, Division of Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Services, Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
“Factors Associated With Short-Term Recovery Following Single-Event Multilevel Surgery for Children With Cerebral Palsy.”
Nancy Lennon talks about her group’s research findings of the effect of physical therapy on the outcome of single event multilevel surgery performed to improve motor function in children with cerebral palsy.

4. Natalie Fairbairn, MPH/MHM, OT
Grace Centre for Newborn Intensive Care, The Children’s Hospital, Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
“Risk of Developmental Coordination Disorder in 8- and 9-Year-Olds Following Newborn Cardiac and Non–Cardiac Surgery”
Natalie Fairbairn discusses the risks her group found of cardiac and non-cardiac surgery on newborn babies—in particular its effect on developmental co-ordination disorder.

5. James E Gehringer, PhD
Research Assistant Professor Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 
“Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Training in Virtual Reality: A Feasibility Study”
James Gehringer explains how his group integrated virtual reality with Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Training (HABIT) for treating unilateral cerebral palsy. The research appeared to overcome some of the frequently encountered barriers to progress.

6. Johannes J Noordstar, PhD MSc,
Assistant Professor, Center for Child Development, Exercise & Physical Literacy, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre, Utrecht University, Netherlands. 
“Is Measuring Physical Literacy in School-Aged Children With Cystic Fibrosis or Congenital Heart Disease Needed?”
Physical therapy researcher Johannes Noordstar talks about his group’s research on whether “physical literacy” should be assessed in school-age children with cystic fibrosis or congenital heart disease.

7. Helen Carey, PT DHSc PCS
College of Health Sciences, University of Indianapolis, Indiana USA
“Early Developmental Trends in High-Risk Neonates Later Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder”
Helen Carey talks about her findings (published in Pediatric Physical Therapy) from a study of high-risk neonates showing how autism spectrum disorder can be detected very early in life.

1: Dana Tischler, PT, DPT, MS, PCS, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT, USA

“Quality of Life, Participation, and Individualized Support in a Community-Based Yoga Class: A Case Series”

Physical therapy researchers in Utah have been trialling a ten-week yoga training class as therapy for children with impairments. In it, they assessed quality of life and participation with the help of doctor of physical therapy students who gave the children individualized support.

2: Noelle Moreau, PT PhD, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA

Safety and Feasibility of 1-Repetition Maximum (1-RM) Testing in Children and Adolescents With Bilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy

New insights about optimal use of the 1-Repetition Maximum (1-RM) test have emerged from a study among children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy.

3: Pamela Tucker PT DPT, Upstate Medical University Hospital, Syracuse, New York, USA

Effectiveness of Robotic-Assisted Gait Training and Aquatic Physical Therapy in a Child With Long-Chain 3-Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency: A Case Report

A case study of a child with the rare, variable condition Long-Chain 3-Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (L-CHAD) brings encouragement that practical management strategies can bring big benefits.

4: Kari S. Kretch PT, DPT, PhD, Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Developmental Surveillance Milestone Checklist Updates: “Learn the Signs. Act Early”—Implications for Physical Therapists

Physical therapist’s perspective on the Centers for Disease Control updated developmental assessment milestones.

5: Ramona ClarkeBExSci/BPhty, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

International Delphi Recommendations for Pediatric Lower Limb Neurological Test Protocols for Muscle Strength, Reflexes, and Tactile Sensitivity

An assessment of lower limb neurological testing in children, with recommendations on muscle strength, reflexes and tactile sensitivity.

6: Andrina Sabet PT ATP, Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for Rehabilitation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

ON Time Mobility: Advocating for Mobility Equity

And: Darrien Fann, Patient Self-Advocate, Cleveland OH, USA

Equality in mobility—irrespective of physical impairment—is the focus of a new program of information and communication aimed at establishing mobility equity as a human right

7: Hércules Ribeiro Leite, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Research on Children With Cerebral Palsy in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

World Health Organisation data on cerebral palsy services in low- and middle-income countries (discussed at the recent 75th Annual Meeting of the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine) identified big geographical disparities and key areas for improvement in access to good therapy and research.

8: Sudha Srinivasan PT PhD, Physical Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA

Feasibility of Using Joystick-Operated Ride-on-Toys to Promote Upper Extremity Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study

While children who can’t walk can benefit from using a powered ride-on toy, those who have impairments not severe enough to prevent walking altogether can also benefit. This is according to a new study of powered mobility assistance among children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy using a mobility toy controlled by a single joystick. 

9: Sofie Meijer MSc HU University of Applied Sciences, Master of Pediatric Physical Therapy program, Utrecht, the Netherlands

Reliability of Using a Smartphone Application to Objectify Skull Deformation

Research using a smartphone app called: the Skully Care App shows that smartphones can be used to quantify infant skull deformation.

10: Carole A Tucker, PT, PhD, Associate Dean of Research, Chair of Physical Therapy, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA

Enhancing the Content Validity of Self-Reported Physical Activity Self-Efficacy in Adolescents: A Qualitative Study

A study of self-efficacy in adolescents reports that measures to increase self-confidence among youngsters can help them achieve physical therapy goals.

1: Jaclyn Megan Sions, PT DPT PhD, Clinical Research Scientist, Assistant Professor in Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE

Characterizing Pain among Adolescents and Young Adults with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita

Primary study objectives were to characterize pain and explore differences between adolescents and adults with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and evaluate associations between pain-related outcomes and mobility.

2: Diana Early, PT PhD PCS, Children’s Health, Dallas, TX

The Journey: Parental Expectations and Perceptions of Therapy Services for Children with Down Syndrome

The researchers identified and described parents’ expectations and perceptions of therapy services received by their children with Down syndrome

3: Courtney M Goldsbury, PT DPT PCS, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH

Infants with Congenital Muscular Torticollis Requiring Supplemental Physical Therapy Interventions

To describe supplemental intervention frequency in infants with congenital muscular torticollis and compare groups of infants who received first-choice intervention only to infants who received supplemental intervention.

4: Kelly R Greve, PT DPT PhD PCS, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Division of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, Cincinnati, OH

Infants with Congenital Muscular Torticollis: Demographic Factors, Clinical Characteristics, and Physical Therapy Episode of Care

5: Luke Wakely, PhD, MHSc(Paed Physio), BAppSc(Physio), Department of Rural Health, The University of Newcastle, Tamworth, NSW, Australia

A Survey of Parents’ and Carers’ Perceptions of Parenting a Child with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

To explore parents’ and carers’ perceptions of parenting a child with developmental dysplasia of the hip.

6: Rebecca Kern PT DPT, Dept of Rehab & Neurosciences, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, Student Support Programs and Services

Seated outcome measures in children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

To study the feasibility of seated trunk strength using hand held dynamometry and care giver reported subjective functional independence measures in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

7: Mitch Wolden, PT DPT PhD, Physical Therapy Program, University of Jamestown, Fargo, ND

Student Self-Efficacy in Pediatrics: Evaluation and Modification of the Pediatric Communication and Handling Self-Efficacy Scale

Our purpose was to examine the reliability and validity of the Pediatric Communication and Handling Self-Efficacy Scale and develop a shorter, modified version.

8: Kimberly D Wynarczuk, PT PhD MPH, Moravian University, Bethlehem, PA

The How and the Why of Including Children: Experiential Learning in Teaching Physical Therapy Students

This study describes experiential learning activities with children and the rationale for using experiential learning.

9: Jennifer Price PT DPT, Director of Clinical Education & Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, Lebanon Valley College, Annville, PA, and Tonya Y. Miller, PT, DPT, PhD Program Lead, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Harrisburg University of Science & Technology

The Impact of an Overnight Summer Camp on the Quality of Life for Individuals Who Require Ventilatory Support.

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of a camp experience for individuals who require ventilatory support.

Creator: Pediatric Physical Therapy

Volume 34 Issue 2
Duration: 56:10secs

INTERVIEWS IN THIS EDITION:

Ketaki Inamdar MPT, Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation and Movement Science Program, Motor Development Lab, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.

Effect of Contingency Paradigm–Based Interventions on Developmental

Outcomes in Young Infants: A Systematic Review

The purpose of this systematic review was to identify controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of contingency paradigm-based interventions to improve feeding, motor, or cognitive outcomes during the first year of life.

QUOTE: “There are these really interesting, low cost and practical interventions out there”

CO-AUTHORS: Sonia Khurana and Stacey C. Dusing         

Mary E. Gannotti, PT PhD, Professor, Dept of Rehabilitation Services, University of Hartford, W Hartford, CT, Research Scientist, Shriners Hospital, Springfield, MA

Characteristics of Interventions to Improve Bone Health in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

A systematic review evaluated exercise parameters and ages that produced the most improvement in bone among individuals with cerebral palsy ages 3 to 21 years. 

QUOTE: Let’s not under-estimate the importance of the skeleton”

CO-AUTHORS: Brianna Liquori, Deborah E. Thorpe and Robyn K. Fuchs

Laura K Bess PT DPT PCS, Physical Therapist, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St Petersburg, Florida

Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Infants With

Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A Prospective Cohort Study

The purpose of this study is to prospectively determine the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants with congenital muscular torticollis and to compare the demographic and clinical characteristics between infants with and without gastroesophageal reflux disease.

QUOTE: ”Do we need to treat the GERD early?”

CO-AUTHORS: Jessica Costa, Anh Thy H. Nguygen, Ernest Amankwah and Michael J. Wilsey

Marietta van der Linden PhD, Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, Queen Margaret University Edinburgh, Scotland

Leisure Time Physical Activity in Children and Young People With Cerebral Palsy: a Population-Based Study

This study describes leisure time physical activity for children and young people with cerebral palsy and identifies barriers and facilitators to participation.

QUOTE: ”These people who were not able to walk can actually run around the track”

CO-AUTHORS: Sarah J. Wordie, Bethany K. Dufton , Kavi C. Jagadamma, Cathleen Hunter, Thomas H. Mercer, Mark S. Gaston and James E. Robb

Sara K Arena PT DSc PT, Associate Professor, Physical Therapy Program, School of Health Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan

Doctor of Physical Therapy Students’ Perceptions of Engagement in Service Learning With Scouts: A Descriptive Study

This study describes Doctor of Physical Therapy Students’ perceptions following their engagement in a health promotion and wellness service-learning event with adolescent boy scouts.

QUOTE: ”Service learning experiences are a wonderful way to engage our students”

CO-AUTHORS: Samantha, Austin Lewis and Erica Matero

Anjana Bhat, MS, PT, PhD, Dept of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark DE

Using Telehealth to Conduct Family-Centered Movement Intervention Research in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This describes a home-based, telehealth format for intervention delivery to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.

QUOTE: “We shouldn’t think that face-to-face interventions are the only way to do things”

CO-AUTHORS: Corina Cleffi, Wan-Chun Su, Sudha Srinivasan

Natasha Benn MPT BSc, School of Physical Therapy, Western University, London ON, Canada

Chronicling Research and Practice Evolution in Pediatric Physical Therapy

This article describes the research and practice trends in the journal, Pediatric Physical Therapy, as a proxy for the field.

QUOTE: “We saw—very much—an increase in active based therapies, also an increase in the rigor of the scientific studies” 

CO-AUTHORS: Elizabeth Birchard, Evelyn Korompai, Maryam Davari, Vaidehi Patel and Laura K Brunton

Marina Ferre-Fernández PT, OT, PhD, Facultad de Ciencias de Salud, Universidad Católica de Murcia, Murcia, Spain

Intra- and Interrater Reliability of the Spanish Version of the Gross Motor Function Measure

This study assesses intra- and inter-rater reliability of the Spanish version of the 88-item Gross Motor Function Measure and its correlation to age and severity of children with cerebral palsy.

QUOTE: “Before using an outcome measure in a different country from which it is developed:  perform a cross-cultural adaptation study.”

CO-AUTHORS: M...

INTERVIEWS IN THIS EDITION:

Karina Amani Zapata DPT PhD, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas
“The Observational Gait Scale Can Help Determine the GMFCS Level in Children With Cerebral Palsy”
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the Observational Gait Scale and Gross Motor Function Classification System in children who are walking and with cerebral palsy.
QUOTE: “We can use the OGS—the Observational Gait Scale—as a helpful clinical tool to quickly and objectively rate a child’s gait”
CO-AUTHORS: Charter Rushing, Mauricio Delgado, Chanhee Jo

Erin Kinsey PT DPT, Aurora Public Schools, Educational Services, Colorado “Changing the Paradigm of School-Based Physical Therapist Service Delivery: Using Evidence to Support Intensive Intervention”
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the paradigm shift away from the typical model of direct service delivery of consistent frequency and duration in the school setting to accommodate an intensive progressive resistive exercise intervention
QUOTE: “They were excited to do something new, something different than that traditional service model that we’ve provided in our schools—they really surprised us”
CO-AUTHORS: Colleen Curto, Dana Glassman, Melissa Sundberg, Kathryn Rosemeyer, Mary Jane Rapport

Hércules Ribeiro Leite, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
“Effectiveness of Modified Sports for Children and Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy: A Pragmatic Study Protocol”
This is a pragmatic randomized controlled trial protocol of an intervention study in Brazil.
QUOTE: “In the past people used to think that because they have impairment it would not be possible to include in sports and leisure. So, things are starting to change from this point.”
CO-AUTHORS: Ricardo de Sousa Junior, Ana Cristina Resende Camargos, Georgina Clutterbuck

Patti Berg-Poppe MA MPT PhD, University of South Dakota, Vermillion
“Pelvic Floor Muscle Resting Tone in Children With Dysfunctional Voiding Symptomology Following Simple Gross Motor Exercises”
The study aimed to understand the effects of a set of gross motor exercises on pelvic floor muscle resting tone in children with dysfunctional voiding symptomatology
QUOTE: “The immediate effects of that exercise were that it reduced pelvic floor resting tone equally as well as diaphragmatic breathing.”

INTERVIEWS IN THIS EDITION:

Lindsay Pietruszewski PT DPT, Research Physical Therapist Center for Perinatal Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH
TITLE: Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination Clinical Use to Recommend Therapist Assessment of Functional Hand Asymmetries
DESCRIPTION: To determine whether in clinical settings, asymmetry scores derived from the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination can provide cut-off scores for recommending in-depth assessment of upper extremity functional deficits by therapists using the Hand Assessment for Infants, a high-resource tool with excellent psychometric properties. 

Sonia Khurana PhD, Motor Development Laboratory, Physical Therapy Department, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA
TITLE: Neonatal PT Improves Neurobehavior and General Movements in Moderate to Late Preterm Infants Born in India: An RCT
DESCRIPTION: To examine whether a structured neonatal physical therapy program improves neurobehavior and general movements in moderate to late preterm infants.

Kristel Lankhorst PT PhD, Research Group Lifestyle and Health, HU University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, Netherlands
TITLE: The Preliminary Criterion Validity of the Activ8 Activity Monitor to Measure Physical Activity in Youth Using a Wheelchair
DESCRIPTION: The primary aim of this study was to assess the absolute and relative time difference, agreement, sensitivity and positive predictive value of the adapted algorithm of the Activ8 to detect ‘active wheelchair use’ compared to observations through video recording.

Maaike Bolland-Sprong MSc, Center for Child Development, Exercise and Physical Literacy, University Medical Center Utrecht

TITLE: Motor Developmental Delay After Cardiac Surgery in Children With a Critical Congenital Heart Defect: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis
DESCRIPTION: To systematically review evidence regarding the severity and prevalence of motor development in children with a critical congenital heart defect without underlying genetic anomalies.

Marilyn Wright PT MSc, CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, School of Rehabilitation Science, Hamilton, Canada
TITLE: Scootering for Children and Youth Is More Than Fun: Exploration of a Feasible Approach to Improve Function and Fitness
DESCRIPTION: Describe scootering as a physical therapy intervention for children/adolescents with mobility limitations within the “F-Words in Childhood Disability” (fitness, function, family, friends, fun, and future) and through motion analysis.

Bilinc Dogruoz  Karatekin MD, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey

TITLE: How Did the Lockdown Imposed Due to COVID-19 Affect Patients With Cerebral Palsy?
DESCRIPTION: This study investigated the change in mobility, pain, functional status and spasticity in a pediatric rehabilitation unit after the lockdown.

Eleonora Montagnani MSc, School of Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, United Kingdom TITLE: Dynamic Characteristics of Foot Development: A Narrative Synthesis of Plantar Pressure Data During Infancy and Childhood
DESCRIPTION: This narrative review aims to describe existing research reporting plantar pressure analysis in typically developing infants and children, to advance understanding of foot development.

INTERVIEWS IN THIS EDITION:
Maxime Robert PhD, Assistant Professor, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
TITLE: Intensive bimanual intervention for children who have undergone hemispherectomy surgery: A pilot study
DESCRIPTION: To conduct a pilot study to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of an intensive bimanual intervention on upper limb function in children who have undergone hemispherectomy surgery.

Rebecca Leonard PT DPT MS PhD PCS, Director, Pediatric Physical Therapy Practice, Early Intervention Associates, Rockville, MD
TITLE: Effects of Orthoses on Standing Postural Control and Muscle Activity in Children with Cerebral Palsy
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate whether distal control orthoses with individually optimized angle of the ankle foot orthotic and shank to vertical alignment, and controlling of distal degrees of freedom, improved standing in participants with cerebral palsy, compared to bare feet and the participant’s ankle foot orthotic.

Sandra Jensen-Willett PT PhD PCS, Director of Physical Therapy, Munroe Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE
TITLE: The Influence of Maternal Cognitions upon Motor Development in Infants Born Preterm: A Scoping Review
DESCRIPTION: This scoping review summarizes the extent, nature, and type of evidence linking broadly defined maternal cognitions to motor outcomes in infants born preterm.

Katherine Denlinger PT DPT PCS, Department of Physical Therapy, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, Baltimore, MD
TITLE: Psychometric Testing of the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care in the Pediatric Acute Care Setting
DESCRIPTION: The goal of this research was to determine inter-rater reliability and construct validity of the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care Inpatient “6-clicks” Short Forms for children in acute care.
Jill Heathcock PT PhD, Associate Professor, The Ohio State University, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, Division of Physical Therapy, Columbus, OH
TITLE: Parent-reported PEDI-CAT mobility and gross motor function in infants with cerebral palsy
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between the Pediatric Evaluations of Disability Index-computer-adapted, mobility domain, a parent reported outcome measures and therapist-administered measures of motor function for infants with cerebral palsy with moderate to severe motor impairments.

Kimberley Scott PT, DPT, PCS, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences,
The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
TITLE: Considering domain-specific experiential learning: Self-Efficacy in Pediatric Physical Therapy Education
DESCRIPTION: The purposes of this study are to describe the pediatric curriculum of a physical therapy program, quantify changes in self-efficacy following pediatric instruction, and define relationships between self-efficacy, prior experience, and interest in future pediatric practice.

Alyssa LaForme Fiss PT PhD PCS, School of Physical Therapy, Texas Woman’s University, Dallas TX
TITLE: Experiential Learning in Pediatric Physical Therapist Education: Faculty and Student Perceptions
DESCRIPTION: This study aimed to describe use of experiential learning with children in entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy programs.

Interviews in this edition:

1. Amy F Bailes, PT PhD, Physical Therapist, Division of Occupational
Therapy & Physical Therapy, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
“Describing the Delivery of Evidence-based Physical Therapy Intervention to Individuals with Cerebral Palsy”.
Analysis of a large dataset of real-world experience from physical therapy sessions among children with cerebral palsy to examine variation by age, Gross Motor Function Classification System, race, and insurance type.
Most frequently delivered were: Caregiver education, motor control, functional strengthening, ankle-foot orthoses, treadmill training, and fit of adaptive equipment.

2. Julia Looper PT PHD, School of Physical Therapy, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington, USA
“Current Trends in Pediatric Physical Therapy Practice for Children with Down Syndrome”
A survey from 1,000 American pediatric physical therapists examined the breadth of physical therapy practice for children with Down syndrome, concluding that clinicians managed these children for a wide variety of needs with a range of interventions.

3. Rebekah L. Johnson, PT DPT, Pediatric Physical Therapist, Mealtime Connections, Tucson, AZ, USA
Current Trends in Pediatric Physical Therapy Practice for Children with Down Syndrome
This survey examines the breadth of physical therapy practice for children with Down syndrome.
Rebekah Johnson, first author, agreed that the diversity of practice among American physical therapists who managed children with Down Syndrome had been a key finding and that clinicians reading the report could learn from their findings. But there had been an ongoing need to match the evidence-base to current practice.

4. Marybeth Barkocy PT, DPT, PCS, Physical Therapy Division, Associate Professor, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
The Effectiveness of Serial Casting and Ankle Foot Orthoses in Treating Toe Walking in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
“This proof-of-concept study examined the effectiveness of serial casting and ankle foot orthoses in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder who toe walk.”

5. Cheryl I. Kerfeld PT, MS, PhD, Special Education Department, Seattle Public Schools, Seattle, Washington, USA
Physical Activity Measurement in Children Who Use Mobility Assistive Devices: Accelerometry and Global Positioning System
A study of the usefulness of combining accelerometry, global positioning system, and geographic information systems, to describe the time spent in different locations and physical activity duration and level by location for four children with cerebral palsy who use assistive devices.

6. Caroline Martinsson MSc, Habilitation & Health, Children and youth habilitation Borås, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden
Abducted Standing in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Effects on Hip Development After 7 Years
This study looked at the effects of abducted standing on hip migration. Both the percentage and range of hip and knee motion in children with cerebral palsy were studied for more than seven years in two case-control groups.

7. Laura Graber PT DPT, College of Public Health and Health Professions, Gainesville, Florida, USA
Upper Extremity Strengthening for an Individual with Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: A Case Report
“The purpose of this case is to describe an exercise program designed for an individual with athetoid cerebral palsy who had difficulties with fine motor control and shoulder girdle stability.”
“A progressive exercise program aimed at improving proximal stability and fine motor function might be an appropriate intervention for persons with athetoid cerebral palsy”

Interviews in this edition:

1. Andrea Baraldi Cunha, Research Associate, Department of Physical Therapy, Biomechanics & Movement Science Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE. Title: “A Novel Means-End Problem-Solving Assessment Tool for Early Intervention: Evaluation of Validity, Reliability, and Sensitivity” Introduction: A new, simple tool could potentially help screen for motor delay quickly and easily. The “Means-End Problem-Solving Assessment Tool”—MEPSAT for short—has been assessed by comparing a group of children with developmental delay with a control group who were typically developing.

2: Halil Alkan PT, PhD, Physical Therapist, Muş Alparslan University, Muş and Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey. Title: “Early Spontaneous Movements of Infants With Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy” Introduction: Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy investigated in 38 infants between three and five months old and compared with typically developing children and scored for a range of indicators of motor delay found Halil Alkan hypoxic brain injury was strongly associated with the overall adequacy of infants’ motor repertoires, and the frequency of their so-called “fidgety movements”.

3: Casey (Mary C) Hooke PhD, University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Minneapolis, Minnesota Title “Testing the Child PROMIS Physical Activity Measurement in Youth Attending a Large Community Event”

Introduction Patient-reported outcome measures were successfully used to assess health-care interventions, by collecting data from child-patients using the system known as: PROMIS — the Child Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System.

4: Gunfrid Vinje Størvold, PT PhD, Department of Habilitation, Levanger Hospital, Nord-Trøndelag Hospital Trust, Levanger, Norway

Title: “Current Physical Therapy Practice in Norway for Children With Cerebral Palsy”

Introduction: A survey of real-world pediatric physical therapy practice for cerebral palsy in Norway found strong adherence to recommended evidence-based practice.

5: Marcelo R Rosales, Biokinesiology Program, Infant Neuromotor Control Laboratory, University of Southern California, Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, CA

Title: Collecting Infant Environmental and Experiential Data Using Smartphone Surveys

Introduction: Promising early research has found smartphones could help physical therapists monitor infant development in a range of clinical situations.

6: Brittany Anderson PT DPT, Associate Professor in Physical Therapy, University of Jamestown, Fargo, ND

Title: Using a 3D-Printed Prosthetic to Improve Participation in a Young Gymnast

Introduction: A prosthetic hand that can grip, inexpensively customised with the help of a 3-D printer, helps a nine-year old girl do gymnastics despite her lack of functioning fingers on one of her hands.

7: James Shanandore, Asst Prof of Anatomy & Physiology, Univ of Jamestown Physical Therapy Prog, Fargo ND

Title: “3-D Printed Prosthetic Hand Helps Junior Gymnast: The Back Story”

Introduction: How physical therapists can harness 3-D printing to individualise a functioning prosthetic hand.

8: Mary Gannotti PT PhD, Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Services, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT, Research Scientist, Shriners Hospital, Springfield, MA

Title: Designing Exercise to Improve Bone Health Among Individuals With Cerebral Palsy

Introduction: Combining mechanical theory and practical experience can help young patients with cerebral palsy avoid painful morbidity late in life by directing good exercise patterns in pre-puberty and adolescence to specifically target the skeleton and rather than muscle alone.

INTERVIEWS IN THIS EDITION:

Physical Therapy Management of Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: An Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline From the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association

First Evidence Based Clinical Practice Guideline for physical therapy management of childhood Developmental Coordination Disorder. Lisa Dannemiller tells clinicians how to use it, and talks about the benefits it can bring.

Lisa Dannemiller PT, DSC, PCS, Associate Professor, Physical Therapy, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA

Associations Between Congenital Muscular Torticollis Severity and Physical Therapy Episode

Congenital muscular torticollis: Kathryn Knudsen talks about the associations her research found between the severity of congenital muscular torticollis and the use of physical therapy to treat it.

Kathryn C R Knudsen PT, MPT, PCS, CNT, Providence Children’s Development Institute, Portland, OR, USA

Experiences of Parents of Infants Diagnosed With Mild and Severe Grades of Congenital Muscular Torticollis

Magdalena M Oledzka described findings and implications from her group’s comparison of the experiences reported by parents of infants diagnosed with congenital muscular torticollis at levels of severity ranging from mild to severe.

Magdalena M Oledzka PT DPT MBA PCS, Director of Pediatric Rehab, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York

Changes in Vestibular/Ocular-Motor Screen Scores in Adolescents Treated With Vestibular Therapy After Concussion

The usefulness of the recently-developed Vestibular/Ocular-Motor Screen Score (that primarily measures dizziness) has been investigated for assessing recovery from concussion in adolescents. First author Bara Alsalaheen discusses the findings and clinical implications.

Bara Alsalaheen PT, PhD, Departments of Physical Therapy & Neurology, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, Michigan

Sternal Precautions and Prone Positioning of Infants Following Median Sternotomy: A Nationwide Survey

Findings on how to optimize physical therapy in children who’ve had chest surgery are reported by Amanda Clifton from her group’s research on the precautions needed when managing infants after sternal surgery.

Amanda Clifton PT, DPT, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Miami FL

“Contemporary Practice as a Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist: A Practice Analysis”

The results of an analysis of current practice among board-certified pediatric clinical specialists are discussed by researcher Lisa Kenyon. Key knowledge areas, professional roles, and responsibilities were surveyed among 323 professionals as practiced in real-world settings. Kenyon explains how the new evidence informs revision of the Description of Specialty Practice—DSP—for pediatrics—the blueprint for maintaining  and improving training quality. 

Lisa Kenyon PT, DPT, PhD, PCS, Associate Professor, Dept of Physical Therapy, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Sedentary Behavior in Children With Cerebral Palsy Between 1.5 and 12 Years: A Longitudinal Study

Sarah Reedman talks about her findings on sedentary behavior among children with cerebral palsy as a health risk factor and as a guide to management.

Sarah E Reedman PT, PhD, QCPRRC, Centre for Children’s Health Research, in South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Measurement Properties of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory—Children and Adolescents for Children and Adolescents Postconcussion

The Dizziness Handicap Inventory scoring system has been researched by a team lead by Devashish Tiwari as a means of assessing recovery from concussion among children and adolescents. 

Devashish Tiwari DPT, PhD, NCS, Department of Physical Therapy, Simmons University, Boston, MA

Intraobserver Reliability and Construct Validity of the Squat Test in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Researcher Maaike Eken talks about her findings comparing the quick and easy “squat test” with the more conventional dynamometer for checking development in children with cerebral palsy.

Maaike Eken PhD, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Department of Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg Campus, Tygerberg, South Africa,

Pediatric Physical Therapy July 2020, Volume 32, Issue 3;

INTERVIEWS IN THIS EDITION:

Agnes McConlogue Ferro, DPT, PCS, Clinical Associate Professor, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York State.

TITLE:  A Structured Goal-Setting Process to Promote Functional and Measurable Outcomes in School-Based Physical Therapy: A Knowledge Translation Study

The aims of this knowledge translation study were to evaluate implementation of a goal setting method for school-based therapists.

Kimberly B Klug PT, DSc, Cooperative Educational Service Agency 1, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

Concurrent Validity of the School Outcomes Measure and the School Function Assessment in Elementary Students

Examine the concurrent validity of the School Outcomes Measure and the School Function Assessment in students’ kindergarten through sixth grade.

Elise L Townsend PT, DPT, PhD, PCS, Associate Professor, MGH Institute of Health Professions, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston MA

TITLE: Stander Use in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Results From a Large Natural History Database

The purpose of this study was to describe stander use in a natural history cohort of drug therapy naïve, children not walking and with SMA and identify factors associated with consistent stander use.

Megan Flores PT, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences, Austin, TX

TITLE: Psychometric Properties of Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control in Infants and Toddlers With Down Syndrome

This study investigated infants and toddlers with Down syndrome to determine: reliability of the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo), concurrent validity of the SATCo with Gross Motor Function Measure, and whether age and SATCo score predict GMFM score.

Antonette Doty PT, PhD, PCS, Walsh University, North Canton, Ohio

TITLE:  Evidence-Based Secondary Transition Predictors for Physical Therapists Working With High School Students

This study investigates how physical therapy services provided during secondary education impacts the post-school outcomes of youth with physical disabilities.

Doreen J.  Bartlett, PT, PhD, Doreen J.  Bartlett, PT, PhD Professor Emerita, School of Physical Therapy, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada

TITLE: Advancing the Evidence Base of Pediatric Physical Therapy: “Sincerely, From the Heart”:  The Ann Van Sant Global Scientific Writing Lectureship

Egmar Longo PT PhD, Department of Health of Children, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte UFRN/FACISA, Santa Cruz, Brazil

TITLE: I Want to Play: Children With Cerebral Palsy Talk About Their Experiences on Barriers and Facilitators to Participation in Leisure Activities

To explore how children with cerebral palsy experience participation in leisure activities and to describe the environmental barriers and facilitators.

INTERVEWS IN THIS EDITION:

1. Afnan Gmmash BSPT MS, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington
   TITLE: Challenges Faced by Therapists Providing Services for Infants With or at Risk for Cerebral Palsy
   The purpose of this study was to identify the challenges physical therapists and occupational therapists have in providing early intervention for infants with or at risk for cerebral palsy.
2. Brent R. Collett, PhD, University of Washington, Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle
   TITLE: Motor Function in School-Aged Children with Positional Plagiocephaly or Brachycephaly
   To determine whether children with a history of positional plagiocephaly/brachycephaly show persistent deficits in motor development.
3. Sam Logan PhD, Oregon State University, Corvallis
   TITLE: Perceived barriers of modified ride-on car use of young children with disabilities: A content analysis
   The purpose of this study was to identify, extract, and synthesize perceived barriers of modified ride-on car use reported in previous studies.
4. Frances Kathleen George MSc, Humberston Park Special School, Grimsby, UK
   TITLE: Development and content validity of the Clinical Assessment of Body Alignment for children with cerebral palsy
   The purpose of this study is to describe the development and content validity of the Clinical Assessment of Body Alignment to measure body alignment in children with cerebral palsy.
5. Mette Johansen PT, MSc, Clinic for Anesthesiology, Child Diseases, Circulation and Women, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
   TITLE:  Photo-based range of motion measurement: Reliability and concurrent validity in children with cerebral palsy.
   To investigate intra-rater and interrater reliability, agreement and concurrent validity of a smartphone photography-based application compared to a universal goniometer in children with cerebral palsy.
6. Laurel Daniels Abbruzzese, PT, EdD, Department Of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Irving Medical Center, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York
   TITLE: Feasibility and Reliability of Functional Mobility Measures in Children with Cri du Chat (5P-) Syndrome
   Investigate feasibility and reliability of Timed Up and Go, Five Times Sit to Stand Test, Timed Floor to Stand, and Four Square Step Test in children with Cri du Chat Syndrome.
7. Carlos Ayán PhD, Faculty of Education & Sport Science, University of Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
   TITLE: Motor development and health-related fitness in Trisomy X: a case study 
   This case study provides information regarding the motor development and health-related fitness level of a female with 47,XXX.

INTERVEWS IN THIS EDITION

Pediatric Physical Therapy January 2019 Volume 32 Issue 1

1. Julie Badylak PT, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Ohio

TITLE:  Therapy Workloads in Pediatric Health: Preliminary Findings and Relevance for Defining Practice (Part 1)

To measure time spent by pediatric physical and occupational therapists in performing daily work activities.

2. Rebecca Durham Reder OTD, OTR/L, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Ohio

TITLE:  Therapy Workloads in Pediatric Health: Preliminary Findings and Relevance for Defining Practice (Part 2)

3. Lynn Jeffries PT, PhD, PCS, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City

TITLE: Longitudinal Change in Common Impairments in Children With Cerebral Palsy From Age 1.5 to 11 Years

This project aimed to determine if change occurs over time for impairments of balance, range of motion, endurance, and strength of children with cerebral palsy, by Gross Motor Function Classification System levels.

4. Marina Ferre-Fernandez PT, OT, MSc, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de Murcia, Murcia, Spain

TITLE: Measures of Motor and Functional Skills for Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

To review the level of evidence of the psychometric properties of outcome measures for motor or functional skills for children with cerebral palsy classified across I-V levels of the Gross Motor Function Classification System.

5. Lindsey Adelstein PT, DPT, Spaulding Rehabilitation Center for Children, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

TITLE:  Differentiating Between Idiopathic Toe Walking and Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

The purpose of this systematic review is to identify evidence-based examination components that enable a clinician to distinguish between children with Idiopathic Toe Walking and Cerebral Palsy in order to accurately categorize them into their respective movement system diagnosis.

(In memory of first author Kathleen Schlough)

6. Lisa Chiarello PT, PhD, FAPTA, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia

TITLE: Relationship of School-Based Physical Therapy Services to Student Goal Achievement

To explore the relationships of school-based physical therapy services to student goal achievement. 

7. Samuel Pierce PT, PhD, Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

TITLE: Linear and Nonlinear Measures of Postural Control in a Toddler With Cerebral Palsy: Brief Report

The purpose of this brief report is to address knowledge gaps and describe longitudinal linear and nonlinear measures of postural control during sitting and standing in a young child with cerebral palsy.

8. Robin L. Dole, PT, DPT, EdD, Widener University, Chester,  Pennsylvania

TITLE: Educational Research Priorities for Pediatric Physical Therapy: A Consensus Study (PART 1)

This study engaged physical therapist stakeholders, internal and external to pediatric physical therapy education, in identifying and ranking pediatric physical therapy educational research priorities.

9. Victoria A. Moerchen, PT, PhD University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

TITLE: Educational Research Priorities for Pediatric Physical Therapy: A Consensus Study (PART 2)

10. Kendra Gagnon, PT, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor & Director of Student Affairs, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Baylor University, Waco, Texas

TITLE: Development of a Grading Rubric to Assess Learning in Pediatric Physical Therapy Education

The purpose of this perspective paper is to describe the development and potential use of a pediatric clinical reasoning assessment rubric for research and educational purpose

INTERVEWS IN THIS EDITION

Pediatric Physical Therapy October 2019 Volume 31 Issue 4

1. Providing Best Practice in Neonatal Intensive Care and Follow up: A clinician-researcher collaboration

RICMOND, VA—Experience from the NICU on communicating and implementing new research into the clinic (knowledge translation) shows that clinicians and researchers can benefit from working together.

INTERVIEWEE: Shaaron E. Brown Clinical Physical Therapist, Children's Hospital, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA

“This invited lecture supports the importance of clinician-researchers collaborations for best practice.”

 

2. The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Meta-Analysis

SPRINGFIELD, MI—Outcomes from physical therapy training interventions have been quantified in a meta-analysis of benefits from a physical approach to improving respiratory muscle performance in patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, many of whom are not typically candidates for physical therapy now that medical treatments are so effective.

INTERVIEWEE: Elizabeth Williamson PT PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, Missouri State University, Springfield MI

“This study reports the respiratory muscle training effect on strength and endurance in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.”

3. Pediatric Physical Therapists’ Use of the Congenital Muscular Torticollis Clinical Practice Guidelines: Qualitative Implementation Study

PITTSBURGH, PA—More than a year after release of the new physical therapy Guideline on Congenital Muscular Torticollis a new analysis gives insights to help clinicians implement it optimally.

INTERVIEWEE: Joseph Schreiber PT PhD,Professor and Program Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Chatham University, Pittsburgh PA

“This study is a follow-up to the quantitative survey to examine the perceptions of pediatric physical therapists on the application of the 2013 guidelines.” 

4. Physical Therapy Intervention to Advance Cognitive and Motor Skills: A Single Subject Study of a Young Child with Cerebral Palsy

RICHMOND, VA—A single subject study of a young child with cerebral palsy looked at cognitive and motor outcomes and their inter-relationship after a new kind of physical therapy intervention.

INTERVIEWEE: Stacey Dusing PT PhD PCS, Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, Director of the Motor Development Laboratory, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond

“This study evaluated the change in motor and cognitive abilities of a single child during participation in the START-Play intervention.”

5. Cross-cultural validity: Canadian norm values of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale evaluated for Dutch infants

UTRECHT, NL—The potential for cross-cultural variability (between different populations around the world) in developmental assessment with the Alberta Infant Motor Scale has been revealed in a new study. 

INTERVIEWEE: Imke Suir, Department of Lifestyle and Health, Institute of Human Movement Studies, HU University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

“To examine if the Canadian normative values of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale are appropriate for Dutch infants.”

6. Considering Propulsion Pattern in Therapeutic Outcomes for Children who use Manual Wheelchairs

MILWAUKEE, WI—Patients who use manual wheelchairs have been investigated to assess the benefit of intensive physical therapy.

INTERVIEWEE—Jacob R. Rammer PhD, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Engineering Center, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI

“This study assesses the effect of community-based intensive physical and occupational therapy on functional outcomes over a 7-week period for children who use manual wheelchairs.”

INTERVIEWS IN THIS EDITION

1. Sandra Jensen-Willett PT MS PCS

Director of Physical Therapy, Munroe Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE

Sitting Matters! Differences Between Sitters and Nonsitters at 6 Months’ Adjusted

“This retrospective study examines differences in prematurity-related risk and compares developmental outcomes between sitters and non-sitters at 6 months adjusted-age.”

OMAHA, NE—An investigation of factors influencing ability to sit upright at six months age—noted from neonatal intensive care unit follow up among infants born preterm or those considered to be at risk of developmental delay—show that motor function drives early development.

2. Afnan Gmmash BSPT MS, Pediatric Physical Therapist and PhD Candidate, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington

Early Intervention Therapy Services for Infants With or at Risk for Cerebral Palsy

“The purpose of this study was to explore the practices physical therapists and occupational therapists use in early intervention for infants with or at risk for cerebral palsy.”

LEXINGTON KY—Infant showing early signs of cerebral palsy—or who are assessed as being at high risk—were found to benefit from early intervention.

3. Steven Cisco DPT, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, Washington

Distance-Based Throwing Programs for Baseball Players From Little League to High School

“Our goal is to create a guide for rehabilitation specialists and players to return to throwing as quickly and safely as possible”

SEATTLE, WA—Children with sports injuries benefited from the best recovery exercises to do to recover by using an evidence-based “Throwing Progam” for injured ball-game players.

4. Karina Amani Zapata DPT PhD, Research Therapist and Physical Therapist, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas

Physical Therapy Scoliosis-Specific Exercises May Reduce Curve Progression in Mild Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Curves

“To evaluate the curve magnitude in participants with mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) at high risk of progression who received outpatient physical therapy scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE).”

DALLAS, TX—Physical therapy success was assessed in patients with scoliosis by measuring the extent to which patients who systematically received physical therapy exercises for scoliosis actually succeeded in getting measurable reductions of curve progression—compared to patients in the control group who were simply observed.

5. Kara L. Lardinois PT, DPT, C/NDT; Duke University Medical Center, Durham NC

Physical Therapy for a Patient With Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood: A Case Report

The purpose of this case report is to present an example of physical therapy evaluation, intervention and outcomes for a child with alternating hemiplegia of childhood

DURHAM, NC—A case report throws light on the key role of the physical therapy elements of care for children with the rare, many-faceted and clinically variable condition: Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood.

6. Amy Bailes PT, PhD, Physical Therapist, Division of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH

Documenting physical therapy dose for individuals with cerebral palsy:  A quality improvement initiative

This report describes the quality improvement activities used to improve treatment dose documentation for individuals with cerebral palsy and to describe insights gained from this project.

CINCINNATI, OH—Data from therapy sessions among thousands of patients with cerebral palsy have generated clear procedures to optimize care, resulting in significantly improved quality of physical therapy.

1. Validity of the Early Activity Scale for Endurance and the Six-Minute Walk Test for children with cerebral palsy
Two well known tests of function in children with cerebral palsy: the Early Activity Scale for Endurance—EASE—and the Six-Minute Walk Test have been compared in a validation study for assessing children with cerebral palsy by functional ability level, sex, and age. The author of a new research paper in Pediatric Physical Therapy journal—Alyssa LaForme Fiss—tells the podcast about her findings.
INTERVIEWEE: Alyssa LaForme Fiss, PT PhD PCS, Associate Professor, Director of Physical Therapy Research, Mercer University, Atlanta, Georgia
CO-AUTHORS: Lynn Jeffries, Allison Yocum and Sarah Westcott McCoy

2. Effects of adaptive bungee trampolining for children with cerebral palsy: a single subject study
Since most children enjoy jumping on a trampoline this has been investigated as a therapy for children with cerebral palsy in research published in Pediatric Physical Therapy. Author Ashleigh Germain from Australia tells the podcast how she and her colleagues at Curtin University in Perth assessed the effects of using an adapted trampoline with an added “bungee” harness to protect the children.
INTERVIEWEE: Ashleigh M Germain, Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia, Australia
CO-AUTHORS: Marie Blackmore, Noula Gibson, Becky Newell and Sîan A Williams

3. Early intervention and postural adjustments during reaching in infants at risk of cerebral palsy
A program known as COPCA (COPing with and CAring for infants with special needs) developed in the Netherlands has been trialed for early intervention in infants at high risk of cerebral palsy. Mijna Hadders Algra, from Groningen tells the podcast how babies’ reaching behavior gave important insights into care in an investigation of the postural effects of a family-centered program applied at 3-6 months corrected age in infants at high risk of cerebral palsy.
INTERVIEWEE: Mijna Hadders-Algra MD, Professor of Developmental Neurology, University Medical Center, Groningen, Netherlands
CO-AUTHORS: Lieke C. van Balen, Linze-Jaap Dijkstra,Tineke Dirks, Arend F. Bos

4. Cardiopulmonary Exercise test using arm ergometry in children with Spina Bifida: a prediction model
An equation to help physical therapists optimize the physical development of patients with spina bifida—while avoiding exacerbating co-morbidities—has been developed in Brazil. The podcast hears from Ana Claudia Mattiello Sverzut—author of a study aimed at developing a prediction model for peak oxygen uptake in children with spina bifida—considering peak work load, peak heart rate, age, sex, anthropometric measures, walking level.
INTERVIEWEE: Ana Claudia Mattiello Sverzut PT PhD Physical Therapy Professor, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
CO-AUTHORS: Jana A.M. Tuijtelaars¬, Marisa Maia Leonardi-Figuiredo, Julio Crescencio, Lourenço Gallo Junior, Edson Zangiacomi Martinez, Manon Bloemen, PT, Tim Takken

5. Functional task training combined with electrical stimulation improves motor capacity in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: a single-subject design
Electrical stimulation was found to be an important method of improving motor capacity for children with unilateral cerebral palsy in some more research reported from Brazil. In the podcast Rejane Vale Gonçalves discusses her group’s investigation of whether gastrocnemius FES combined with training of functional tasks produced improvements in variables related to walking performance, capacity for propulsive force generation and changes in gross motor function of children with SUCP
INTERVIEWEE: Rejane Vale Gonçalves, PT PhD, Physical Therapy Professor, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
CO-AUTHORS: Sérgio Teixeira Fonseca, Priscila Albuquerque de Araújo, Thales Rezende Souza, Renan Alves Resende and Marisa Cotta Mancini

1. Does Weight Status Impact Metabolic Health in Adolescents When Controlling for Physical Fitness?
Adolescent overweight and obesity and its correlation with metabolic syndrome—the collection of signs from simple tests that predict for diabetes, heart disease and other non-communicable conditions later in life—has been researched by a group of pediatric physical therapists and a multidisciplinary team from Wisconsin and North Carolina who looked at whether being physically fit—even though you’re overweight—can protect you.
INTERVIEWEE: Stacy Stolzman PT, PhD Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology, Concordia Wisconsin)
Co-authors: Joseph Skelton, April Harkins and Marie Hoeger Bement
Determines if adolescents who are fit with overweight/obesity are similar in their metabolic profile to adolescents who are fit and normal weight.

2. Relationship between Torticollis and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder in Infants
Torticolis in infants has an association with gastro-esophageal reflux disorder: GERD. Light has been thrown on the nature if that relationship by a new study just out in Pediatric Physical Therapy journal.
INTERVIEWEE: Deborah Bercik and Stephanie Westrick, Children’s Hospital for Rehabilitation, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland OH)
Co-authors: Susan Diemer, Sarah Worley, and Ryan Suder This study investigates a correlation between congenital muscular torticollis and gastroesophageal reflux disorder.3. An Exploration of Parental Satisfaction with an Advanced Practice Physical Therapy Clinic in Pediatric Orthopedics A pioneering approach to pediatric orthopedic issues has been investigated in Dublin, Ireland. Instead of referring patients directly to a consultant orthopedic surgeon children are examined by a specialist physical therapy team. Marie O’Mir tells the podcast this has been a big success.
INTERVIEWEE: Marie O Mir BSc (Physio), MISCP, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
Co-authors: Cliona O’ Sullivan, Catherine Blake, and Olive Lennon
This study evaluated parent satisfaction of patients attending a novel advanced practice physical therapy clinic in pediatric orthopedics.

4. Physical Therapy Outcome Measures for Assessment of Lower Extremity Chronic Pain-related Function in Pediatrics.
New research on physical therapy outcome measures has been published in Pediatric Physical Therapy journal for assessing function in children who are chronically affected by lower extremity pain. Elizabeth Mirek tells the podcast about the utilization of previously established standard measures in evaluations for a growing population of children with chronic lower extremity pain.
INTERVIEWEE: Elizabeth Mirek PT, DPT, PCS, Department of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Services, Boston Children’s Hospital
Co-authors: Deirdre Logan, Kimberly Boullard, Amber M. Hall, Steven J. Staffa, and Navil Sethna
Assesses the clinical utility of 5 PT outcome measures in quantifying functional changes in pediatric lower extremity chronic pain treated at a hospital-based interdisciplinary rehabilitation center.

5. Daily and weekly rehabilitation delivery for young children with gross motor delay: a research protocol
A study protocol has just been announced by a team led by Jill Heathcock who discusses their upcoming work on delivering rehabilitation for young children with gross motor delay
INTERVIEWEE: Jill Heathcock PT PhD, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Co-authors: Rachel Ferrante, Sarah Hendershot, Kathleen Baronet, Gardenia Barbosa, Helen Carey, Nathalie Maitre, Warren Lo, Jeff Pan
The proposed project tests an hypothesis that frequency of rehabilitation is an important regulator of therapeutic response in infants and does not test the efficacy of a type of treatment.

01 Effects of Structured Exercise Training in Children and Adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Systematic Review
Susan Klepper PT, MS, PhD, former Assistant Professor Rehabilitation & Regenerative Medicine (Physical Therapy), Columbia University, New York, NY
The purpose of this review was to update the evidence for safety and efficacy of structured exercise training in a variety of settings for children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

02 The Timed Up and Go test in children: Does Protocol Choice Matter? A Systematic Review
Evi Verbecque PT PhD, Post Doctoral Researcher, University of Hasselt, Limburg, Belgium
Results on reliability and normative data for the Timed Up and Go test in children who are are systematically reviewed.

03 Effects of Instruction on Parent Competency during Infant Handling in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Eilish M. Byrne PT, DSc, PCS, CNT, Supervisor Physical Therapy Department, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, CA
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of three different methods for delivering instruction on infant handling to parents in the neonatal intensive care unit.

04 Developmental Trajectories and Reference Percentiles for the 6-Minute Walk Test for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Alyssa LaForme Fiss PT PhD PCS, Associate Professor, Director of Physical Therapy Research, Mercer University, Atlanta, Georgia
The purposes of this study were to: document longitudinal developmental trajectories in 6MWT distances and develop age-specific reference percentiles for children across different Gross Motor Function Classification System levels.

05 Progression of Ankle Plantarflexion Contractures and Functional Decline in DMD: Implications for Physical Therapy Management
Michael Kiefer PT DPT, North Worcester, University of Massachusetts MA.
Formerly: Pediatric Neuromuscular Unit, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
This study characterizes the progressive loss of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the relationship to functional decline, and the implications for physical therapy management.

06 Adapted dance improves motor abilities and participation in children with Down syndrome: A pilot study
Michelle McGuire, PT MPT, Coordinator, Division of Occupational and Physical Therapy, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
This pilot study measured effects of an adapted dance program on motor abilities and participation in children with Down syndrome and explored caregivers' qualitative feedback regarding its benefits.

07 Moving Toward Excellence in Pediatric Physical Therapy Education: A Scoping Review
Deborah K. Anderson PT DPT PCS, Program Director, Physical Therapy, College of Health Sciences, Midwestern Universkity, Downers Grove, IL
The purpose of this scoping review was to identify and map current evidence that underpins excellence in pediatric physical therapy education.

1. Physical Therapy Management of Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A 2018 Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline from the American Physical Therapy Association Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy
AUTHORS: Sandra L. Kaplan, Colleen Coulter and Barbara Sargent
(https://journals.lww.com/pedpt/Fulltext/2018/07000/Informing_the_Update_to_the_Physical_Therapy.2.aspx)
This update of the 2013 CMT clinical practice guideline 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 evidence and expert opinion to implementation recommendations. Pediatric Physical Therapy journal Editor-in-Chief Linda Fetters PhD PT FAPTA of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, reviews the guideline and pinpoints key clinical messages.

2. Effects of a gaming platform on balance training for children with cerebral palsy
(Pediatr Phys Ther 2018;00:1–6)
Hsieh, Hsieh-Chun, PhD, OTR, Department of Special Education, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City, Taiwan talks about her study using a platform requiring multi-dimensional trunk movement that facilitated postural balance in children with cerebral palsy.

3.  Physical Therapist Coaching to Improve Physical Activity in Children with Brain Tumors: A Pilot Study  
(Pediatr Phys Ther 2018;0:1–8)
Jessica Ovans PT DPT, Physical Therapist, Department of Rehabilitation, Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Minneapolis discusses the use of a fitness tracker intervention combined with tailored coaching by a physical therapist to increase physical activity and quality of life and decrease fatigue in children with brain tumors.

4.  Physical therapists’ use and alteration of standardized assessments of motor function in children.
(Pediatr Phys Ther 2018;0:1–8)
Deanne Fay, PT, DPT, PhD, Professor & Director of Curriculum, Physical Therapy Program, AT Still University, Mesa, Arizona reports on how physical therapists in the real world are assessing motor function in children with disability. This study presents survey responses of pediatric physical therapists’ use and alteration of standardized assessments of motor function in children aged 2-10 years. 

5.  Adapted Motivational Interviewing to Promote Exercise in Adolescents with Congenital Heart Disease: A Pilot Trial 
(Pediatr Phys Ther 2018;0:1–9)
Adam McKillop PhD, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada, describes his study to assess a motivational interviewing intervention to improve moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in adolescents with congenital heart disease. Although their standard approach using telephone calls was achievable and accepted he expects electronic methods and social media to beckon in the future—especially with young patients.

6.  The Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (Tdcs) on Motor Function, in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review 
(Pediatr Phys Ther 2018;00:1–11)
A bold approach to therapy for children with cerebral palsy that uses transcranial electrical stimulation has analyzed findings from nine published articles. First author Angela Hamilton, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia explains how determining the effects of transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) on motor function for children with cerebral palsy could help their brains develop.

7.  Stepping activity in children with congenital myotonic dystrophy
(Pediatr Phys Ther 2018;00:1–5)
Heather A. Hayes, DPT, PhD NCS, Utah Neurological Physical Therapy Residency Director and Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, University of Utah, Salt Lake City discusses her observational research on therapy for the rare condition congenital myotonic dystrophy (CDM) and explains how their investigation of physical activity levels in children who have CDM could determine whether clinical and functional characteristics correlate to physical activity and help find  keys to improving activity levels and quality of life.

8.  Whole-body vibration training designed to improve functional impairments after pediatric inpatient anticancer therapy: pilot study
(Pediatr Phys Ther 2018;00:1–9)
A new form of physical therapy called whole body vibration has been investigated as a way of helping children to recover good physical activity after treatment for cancer. Vanessa Oschwald (née Rustler) MA, Molecular & Cellular Sports Medicine Department, Sports and Exercise Science Department, Institute of Cardiovascular Research & Sports Medicine, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany talks about the way functional, motor, balance and strength impairments children after inpatient anticancer therapy were assessed after training on a platform that vibrates. Feasibility, adherence, program acceptance and fields of effectiveness were...

1. Informing the Update to the Physical Therapy Management of Congenital Muscular Torticollis Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: A Systematic Review
   Emily Heidenreich PT DPT, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation  Medicine, Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles & Arkansas Children's, Little Rock:
   Talks about her study to systematically review the evidence on physical therapy diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention of congenital muscular torticollis to inform the update to the physical therapy management of congenital muscular torticollis evidence-based clinical practice guideline.


2. Interrater and Intrarater Reliability of the Congenital Muscular Torticollis Severity Classification System
   Magdalena M. Oledzka, PT DPT MBA PCS, Director of Pediatric Rehab, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York:
   Tells the podcast about her data establishing inter- and intra-rater reliability for determining severity grades of the Congenital Muscular Torticollis Severity Classification System


3. Gait analysis parameters and walking activity pre and post operatively in children with cerebral palsy.
   Chris Church, Program Manager, Gait Analysis Lab., Nemours duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington DE:
   Explains what his study found on examining the relationship between the Gait Deviation Index and walking activity preoperatively and postoperatively for children with cerebral palsy.


4. Relationships between gross motor skills and social function in young boys with autism spectrum disorder
   Jamie M. Holloway PT DPT PhD PCS, Assistant Professor, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL:
   Discusses the purpose of her study to examine the relationship between gross motor skills and social function in young boys with autism spectrum disorder


5. sEMG analysis during landing in children with autism spectrum disorder: A pilot study
   Marcelo R. Rosales BS, Graduate student, Biokinesiology Dept, Univ of Southern California:
   Talks about his findings from a pilot study to explore the timing and duration of muscle activation during a landing task in children with autism spectrum disorder


6. Pain neuroscience education and exercise for neck pain: a focus group study on adolescents' views
   Anabela G. Silva PhD, Assistant Professor, School of Health Sciences and CINTESIS-UA, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal:
   Tells the podcast about her findings from an exploration of the views of adolescents with chronic idiopathic neck pain towards an intervention consisting of pain neuroscience education and exercise administered in schools.


7. Use of an In-home Body Weight Support System by a Child with Spina Bifida
   James C. Galloway, PT, PhD, FAPTA, Professor in Biomechanicss & Movement Science Program, Dept of Physical Therapy & Pediatric Mobility Lab, University of Delaware, Newark, DE:
   Discusses data from his examination in a case report of the feasibility of a new open-area body-weight support system to act as both an ‘assistive’ and ‘rehabilitative’ device within the home.

Bert Steenbergen PhD, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Role of Pediatric Physical Therapists in Promoting Sports Participation in Developmental Coordination Disorder
To explore the role of pediatric physical therapists in promoting sports participation in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder and identify associated barriers and facilitators.

Max J. Kurz PhD, Associate Professr Department of Physical Therapy, Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
Hand Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Improves Prefrontal Cortex Activation in Children with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy
This study reports the changes in prefrontal cortical activation following hand arm bimanual intensive therapy in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Laura S Gilchrist PhD, Professor of Physical Therapy, Minnesota Blood and Cancer Disorders Program & Rehabilitation, St Catherine University, Minneapolis 
Short-term Recovery of Balance Control: Association with Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Pediatric Oncology
Description of the incidence and short-term recovery of balance control in children and adolescents receiving neurotoxic treatment for cancers and investigation of the association of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and balance control.

Donna J Cech PT, Professor & Program Director Physical Therapy Program, College of Health Sciences, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Illinois
Linking the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability-Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) to the International Classification of Function
This study examined PEDI-CAT items reflection of the activity and participation components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health – Children and Youth using Linking Rules established by previous researchers.

Carol L. Baym PhD, Physical Therapy Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
Functional Mobility Improved After Intensive Progressive Resistance Exercise in an Adolescent with Spina Bifida
This case describes the use and effectiveness of a novel intensive progressive resistance exercise approach to address the functional goals of a 14-year-old with a myelomeningocele.

Laura K. Brunton PhD, Elborn College, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
Descriptive Report of the Impact of Fatigue and Current Management Strategies in Cerebral Palsy
Description of the impact of fatigue and self-management practices for adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy using the Fatigue Impact and Severity Self-Assessment.

Julie E Brown PhD, Fort Worth Independent School District
Head Control Changes after HeadpodTM use in Children with Poor Head Control: A Feasibility Study
To determine the feasibility of Headpod™ use to improve head control in children with cerebral palsy classified as GMFCS Level V.

Dana McCarty PT, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy, Allied Health Sciences Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill  
Use of a Midliner Positioning System
The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using a Midliner Positioning System to prevent dolichocephaly in premature infants during their intensive care stay.

LEAD STORY—Trends in attitudes and practice patterns of physical therapists in addressing childhood obesity in schools
Author:  Eydie Kendall
This study investigated trends in attitudes of school physical therapists about intervention for childhood obesity.
INTERVIEWS WITH:
1. Eydie Kendall PT, PhD, PCS, Assistant Professor, Plymouth State University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
2. Sanjay Kinra MBBS MD MRCP MSc PhD FFPH, Prof. of Clin Epidemioloty, Lonfon Sch of Hygiene & Tropical Med. & Conslt Paediatrician (Childhood Obesity) UCL
3. David Stensel PhD, Professor of Exercise Metabolism, Associate Dean for , Research, School of Sport Exercise & Health Sciences,  Loughborough University

ALSO—
Inter-relationships of functional status and health conditions in children with cerebral palsy: A descriptive study
Authors: Doreen Bartlett BSc(PT), PhD Emily Dyszuk, Barbara Galuppi, and Jan Willem Gorter
This study examined the relationship among the Gross Motor Function, Manual Ability and Communication Function Classification Systems in children with cerebral palsy and to determine the average number and impact of health conditions.
INTERVIEW WITH:
Doreen  Bartlett, PT, PhD, Professor Emerita, School of Physical Therapy, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada

Power Mobility Training Methods for Children: A Critical Review
Authors: Lisa K. Kenyon, Lisa Hostnik, Rachel McElroy, Courtney Peterson, and John P. Farris
This study summarized and critically appraised the existing evidence related to power mobility training methods with children.
INTERVIEW WITH:
Lisa Kenyon PT, DPT, PhD, PCS, Assoc Prof Dept of Phys Ther, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Modified Ride-On Car Use by Young Children with Disabilities
Samuel W. Logan, Christina M. Hospodar, Heather A. Feldner, Hsiang-Han Huang, and James C. Galloway
The purpose of this single-subject case series study is to determine the effect of modified ride-on car use in natural environments on mobility.
INTERVIEW WITH:
Samuel Logan PhD, Assitant Professor in  Kinesiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis

Thirty Second Walk Test: Expansion of Normative Data
Michael Lieberstein, Goldie Weingarten, Carlo Vialu, Adina Itzkowitz, Maura Doyle, Frank Covino, and Sandra L Kaplan
The primary purpose of this study is to describe the normative data for the 30sWT using a large sample of children representing current morphological trends and ethnic diversity of an urban sample, and secondarily to examine the influence of gender, body mass index and path shape.
INTERVIW WITH:
Michael Lieberstein PT, Physical Therapy Department, NYC Department of Education

Number of synergies is dependent on spasticity and gait kinetics in children with cerebral palsy
Yu Hashiguchi, Koji Ohata, Sayuri Osako, Ryosuke Kitatani, Yumi Aga, Mitsuhiro Masaki and Shigehito Yamada
This study compared the number of muscle synergies during gait between children with cerebral palsy and children with typical development, and clarified whether certain clinical parameters differed according to the number of synergies in children with cerebral palsy.
INTERVIEW WITH:
Yu  Hashiguchi, PT, MS, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gumma Paz College

1. The Geek Perspective: Answering the Call for Advanced Technology in Research Inquiry Related to Pediatric Brain Injury and Motor Disability
Michael Wininger, PhD; Peter Pidcoe, PT, DPT, PhD
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (Dr Wininger), University of Hartford, West Hartford, Connecticut
This report announces that engineers would just love to help you monitor or control any aspect of your patient care. So if you didn’t know to whom you could turn to for a technical fix: the answer is: Turn to a Geek! In the podcast Mike Wininger says Geeks have lots of tricks up their sleeves to help patients such as children with brain injury and motor disability.

2.  Creative Dance Practice Improves Postural Control in a Child With Cerebral Palsy
Kate Stribling, PT, DPT; Jennifer Christy, PT, PhDOregon Health and Science University (Dr. Stribling), Portland, Oregon; University of Alabama at Birmingham (Dr. Christy), Birmingham, Alabama.
Dance has healing power!  Kate Stribling tells the podcast how she looked into the role of creative dance practice for improving postural control in a child with cerebral palsy in her research in Alabama.

3. Uptake of the Congenital Muscular Torticollis Clinical Practice Guideline Into Pediatric Practice
Sandra Kaplan, PT, DPT, PhD; Robin Dole, PT, DPT, EdD, PCS; Joseph Schreiber, PT, PhD  
Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science (Dr Kaplan), Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey; School of Human Service Professions (Dr Dole), Institute for Physical Therapy Education, Widener University, Chester, Pennsylvania; Chatham University (Dr Schreiber), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Experts at the Physical Therapy Association have pooled their recommendations to form guidelines for the clinical approach to congenital muscular torticollis.  Sandra Kaplan tells the podcast how she took on the difficult task of doing a survey to analyze the uptake of the guidelines and to see what benefits came out.

4. A Novel Mobility Device to Improve Walking for a Child With Cerebral Palsy
Andrea Fergus, PT, PhDShenandoah University, Winchester, Virginia.
A device called the Upsee that helps carers teach children how to walk is described as: a “dual orthotic device”. Every time the adult takes a step so does the child because the Upsee has sandals for both of them that are physically attached. At Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, Andrea Fergus has been using it to help a child with cerebral palsy.  She tells the podcast about the positive experiences she’s had with the device so far. 

5. Gross motor outcomes after dynamic weight bearing in two children with trunk hypotonia: a case series. Dynamic weight bearing in trunk hypotonia
Elizabeth M. Ardolino, PT, PhD, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, 5401 LaCrosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739 ([email protected]).]
A second research paper in Pediatric Physical Therapy journal reports on using the Upsee device in two children with truncal hypotonia. Elizabeth Ardolino tells the podcast how this helped.

6.  Determining Need for School-Based Physical Therapy Under IDEA: Commonalities Across Practice Guidelines
Carlo Vialu, PT, MBA; Maura Doyle, PT, DPT, MS, PCSSt Mary’s Home Care (Mr Vialu), New York, New York; Physical Therapy Department (Dr Doyle), New York City Department of Education, New York,
New York.
The United States helps citizens with disabilities by following the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act—IDEA for short. This provides students in public education access to a number of services—among them physical therapy.  What IDEA does not do, however, is to specify precisely what the physical therapy should consist of.  In the podcast Carlo Vialu picks up the baton. 

7. Comparing Unimanual and Bimanual Training in Upper Extremity Function in Children With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy
Susan E. Klepper, PT, MS, PhD; Debra Clayton Krasinski, PT, MS, PhD; Meaghan C. Gilb, PT, DPT, PCS; Nashwa Khalil, PT, DPT, NCS
Program in Physical Therapy and Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine (Drs Klepper and Krasinski), Columbia University, New York; Rusk Institute (Dr. Khalil), New York University Medical Center, New York; and Children’s Health (Dr. Gilb), Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, Dallas, Texas.
Progress in training children with unilateral cerebral palsy to use their upper extremities is under scrutiny in Pediatric Physical Therapy journal and in the podcast in which Susan Klepper throws light on whether children should try to use the side that’s affected without having their other arm available to help.

Therapy use for children with developmental conditions: Analysis of Colorado Medicaid data
Interview with Beth M. McManus
(Co-authors: Mary Jane Rapport, Zachary Richardson, and Richard Lindrooth)
DESCRIPTION:
Infants and toddlers with cerebral palsy received lower doses of early intervention physical therapy than children who had developmental delay with comorbidities in a study of 20 000 Medicaid cases in Colorado.  Beth McManus reports on the unmet need of less-easily noticed children who have disability and yet whose needs of physical therapy and potential benefit from it may be great.

Goal Attainment Scales to evaluate intervention of individual gains for children born extremely preterm
Interview with Laura Brown
(Co-authors: Yvonne Burns, Pauline Watter and Peter Gray)
DESCRIPTION:
Goal attainment scoring, or GAS, was shown to be a highly accurate method of assessing the effectiveness of physical therapy intervention in a cohort of infants born extremely preterm studied by a group in Sydney Australia.  Lead author Laura Brown said that GAS has clinical relevance and is a useful tool among this group of children.
 
Reliability and Validity of the 50-Foot Walk Test for Idiopathic Toe Walking
Interview with Catie Christensen
(Co-authors: Amanda Haddad and Elizabeth Maus)
DESCRIPTION:
The “50 foot Walk Test” is a simple and accurate method of assessing children for the severity of idiopathic toe-walking that can be highly recommended to clinicians as reproducible, with ratings varying little from one clinician to another, says Catie Christensen from Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus Ohio.
 
Kinematic Gait Changes Following Serial Casting and Bracing to Treat Toe Walking in a Child with Autism: A Retrospective Case-Report
Interview with Marybeth Barkocy
(Co-authors: James Dexter, and Colleen Petranovich)
DESCRIPTION:
The patience and compassion that physical therapists harness are clear from the case of a remarkable cure for toe-walking in a child with severe autistic spectrum disorder who had a difficult home environment.  Marybeth Barkocy from New Mexico talks about her case report in Pediatric Physical Therapy Journal. 
 
How Accurately Do Both Parents and Health Professionals Assess Overweight in Children?  
(Special Communication)
Interview with Cynthia Brown Dodds
(Co-authors: Ickpyo Hong, Patty Coker-Bolt, Annie N. Simpson and Craig A. Velozo)
DESCRIPTION:
Parents often do not recognize when their child is overweight according to research published in Pediatric Physical Therapy journal.  According to co-author Cynthia Brown Dodds physical therapists are excellently placed to step up to the plate and provide necessary guidance on physical activity and nutrition once the barrier of recognizing childhood obesity has been overcome.

Physical Therapy for a Child with Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis and Motor Delay: Case Report
Interview with Rhea Hall
(co-author Mary Jane Rapport)
DESCIPTION:
Severe idiopathic scoliosis was corrected in a 10-month old infant sufficiently to remove the need for serial casting.  Rhea Hall from the University of Colorado in Aurora discusses the scope physical therapist have for achieving benefit even in infants from creatively assessing potential tools available to the family in the home environment to be used for improving spinal curvature. 

A Progressive Running Program for an Adolescent with Cerebral Palsy: Case Report
Interview with Jessica Lewis
(Case report)
DESCRIPTION:
If you have cerebral palsy can you go out jogging?  Well:  Yes. So says physical therapist Jessica Lewis talking about her the case history she wrote in Pediatric Physical Therapy journal. A simple running program she undertook with an adolescent had a big pay-off.

Concurrent Validity Between Live and Home-Video Observations Using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale
Marike Boonzaaijer, Research Centre for Innovation in Healthcare, University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, the Netherlands
This paper explores the utility of home videos taken by parents for using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale to assess gross motor function compared to live observations.

Hand Grip Strength: A Population-Based Study of Norms and Age Trajectories for 3- to 17-Year-Olds
Richard Bohannon, Campbell University, Campbell, NC
This paper presents data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Toolbox project to provide normative values and equations for measuring and assessing grip strength in children.

Position Between Trunk and Pelvis During Gait Related to the Gross Motor Function Classification System
Jose Manuel Sanz-Mengibar, Balance Physio, Clapham, London,UK
This paper looks at the trunk positions in children with spastic cerebral palsy, specifically on how the trunk positions change between the Gross Motor Function Classification levels using 3-D kinematics.

Gait Training with Visual Feedback and Proprioceptive Input to Reduce Gait Asymmetry in Adults with Cerebral Palsy: A Case Series
Ilana Levin, Human Movement Science Department, UNC Chapel Hill
This paper examines on whether providing visual feedback about gait asymmetry in the form of virtual reality during gait retraining improves gait speed and dynamic balance in adults with cerebral palsy.

Autogenic Drainage in Children With Cystic Fibrosis: System
Lieselotte Corten, Grootte Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
This review investigates the effect of autogenic drainage and assisted autogenic drainage compared to no, sham, or other types of airway clearance in children with cystic fibrosis.

Pediatric rehabilitation services for children with cerebral palsy: what can existing data sources tell us?
Mary Gannotti, University of Hartford, West Hartford, Connecticut
This is a summary of fourteen national, state, and local sources of data in the United States that provide information about children with cerebral palsy, their health, function, well being, and utilization of health services. Despite limitations, currently available sources of data may provide meaningful information for policy, practice, and program development.

Minimal Detectable Change for TUG and TUDS Tests for Children With Down Syndrome
A study compared the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) with the Timed Up and Down Stairs test (TUDS) in a group of 12 children children with Down Syndrome. 
Kathy Martin, PT, DHSc, Krannert School of Physical Therapy, University of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy for Children With Brain Tumors
A tailored therapy for children with brain tumors has been used successfully to help with upper extremity hemiplegia.
Jessica Sparrow, OTD, OTR/L, Rehabilitation Services, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.

Reliability of the Arch Height Index as a Measure of Foot Structure in Children
Study findings have confirmed the value of an objective measure of foot structure to monitor children with flat feet over a period of time.
Lisa C. Drefus, PT, DPT; Pediatric Rehabilitation, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City.

The Relationships Between Capacity and Performance in Youths With Cerebral Palsy Differ for GMFCS Levels
Chinese children with cerebral palsy have been assessed successfully by using similar tools to those used in the United States. 
Ai-Wen Hwang, PT, PhD Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan

Six-Month Follow-up of Supervised Spinal Stabilization Exercises for Low Back Pain in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Adolescents with low back pain associated with idiopathic scoliosis benefited from more physical therapy rather than less. 
Karina A. Zapata, PT, PhD; Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas

Developing a Clinical Protocol for Habitual Physical Activity Monitoring in Youth With Cerebral Palsy
Recommendations have emerged from a study to improve the monitoring of usual daily patterns of physical activity in youths and children who have cerebral palsy.
Kristen Nicholson, PhD, Nemours Alfred I duPont Hospital for Children, 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803

A Child With a Burn-Related Foot and Ankle Contracture Treated With Multiple Modalities
A combination of high-tech materials plus clinical experience has minimized disability in a child with a scar from severe burn to the foot and ankle.
Miranda Yelvington, MS, OTR/L, BCPR, Occupational Therapy, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock

Power-Up: Exploration and Play in a Novel Modified Ride-On Car for Standing
Latest findings demonstrate that a modified ride-on car can better help children with disability.
Samuel Logan PhD, Assistant Professor, Oregon State University, Corvalis, OR

Virtual Sensorimotor Training for Balance: Pilot Study Results for Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Tracy Jirikowic PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, from the University of Washington, Seattle describes her team’s success with the virtual reality-based Sensorimotor Training to Affect Balance Engagement and Learning (STABEL) system for helping children who have neurodevelopmental defects caused by fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. 

Influence of External Visual Focus on Gait in Children with Bilateral Cerebral Palsy
For children with bilateral cerebral palsy visual cues are very important to help them control movement and gait—even though they may have impaired vision according to Asa Bartonek PhD, fron Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, who discusses her group’s study of sensor problems as compared motor problems in limiting movements among these patients.

A Modified Version of the Timed Up and Go Test for Children who are Preschoolers
Age affects the results of the Timed Up and Go test when used in pre-school children according to Evi Verbecque PT, from the University of Antwerp, Belgium, whose group reports a new study with a modified the test adding a toy to make it fun for three, four and five-year olds.

The Development and Initial Validation of the Pediatric Neuromuscular Recovery Scale
Elizabeth Ardolino PT PhD, from the University of St Augustine in Austin, Texas, talks about a new scale she and her colleagues have developed to assess recovery among children who have spinal cord injury based on an existing adult scale with modifications to adapt for the big differences between children and adults.

Pediatric Obesity: Is There Room for Active Video Game in Prevention or Management?
Active video games can help as a part of an overall strategy to reduce pediatric obesity according to findings of a report from David Thivel PhD, from Clermont Auvergne University in Aubière, France. He explains, however, that overall energy balance holds the key and that such video games should only be part of a strategy including other physical activities and dietary planning.

Student Outcomes of School-based Physical Therapy as Measured by the School Function Assessment
It may be a given—all over America at least—that having the services of a physical therapist is a great benefit to any school, but until now the benefit had not been quantified or evaluated in terms of hard data.  This has now changed with a report from a wide-ranging survey in 28 states.  Susan Effgen PT, PhD, FAPTA, from the University of Kentucky in Lexington talks about her findings. 

In the latest Pediatric Physical Therapy podcast:

Vertigo was identified and cured in two children through the use of infrared goggles and a physical therapy maneuver. Jennifer Fay, author of a new report on benign positional vertigo, talks about her approach to investigation and treatment of this disabling condition.

Elise Townsend discusses her group’s research on the benefit of supporting standing among some—but not all—children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Treadmill training in a group can benefit children with neurodevelopmental impairment according to Katrin Mattern-Baxter, author of a report which found that children enjoy a group approach to gym-workouts just as some adults do.  

External trunk support can benefit children with physical disability, says Victor Santamaria who found that best improvement in motor performance is achieved when the external assistance is matched to the child’s intrinsic level of trunk control.

Evidence-based recommendations about intervening with stretching exercises have emerged from a review published by Jason Craig who found stretch interventions work better in some situations than others.

An exoskeleton has been helping an infant to reach and play with toys.  Lead author Michele Lobo tells the podcast how.

Car seats were found to affect the way children move their legs in an investigation conducted by Jiang, de Armendi and Smith. Beth Smith says this needs to be further investigated to assess the impact of restraint devices in typical development and in children considered at risk of developmental delay.

Ankle-Foot Orthotics Are Not Always Suitable for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Kristie Bjornson, from the University of Washington in Seattle and the Seattle Children’s Research Institute, discusses findings about using orthotics in a community setting from a randomised study of children with cerebral palsy

“Guided Discovery” through Collaborative Choice Helps Children with Downs Syndrome and Intellectual Impairment Learn to Ride Bikes

Joyce McGill Evans, Professor Emerita from University of Alberta, talks about a study in which the “CO-OP” (Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance) method was used to help adolescents with cerebral palsy learn how to ride bikes.

Childhood Toe-Walking Explored by Measuring Vibration Perception

Claire Behnke from Phoenix Arizona reports findings from an investigation of distal vibration perception among children who “toe walk”

Teenager’s Obesity Was Associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Kathleen Galloway from Belmont University in Nashville Tennessee voices her concerns raised by a case of carpal tunnel syndrome found in an obese teenager. 

Study Finds Timed Up and Go Test Found Fit for Purpose

Adina Itzkowitz, senior physical therapist and co-ordinator of clinical education at the New York City Department of Education discusses an investigation of the TUG test to help monitor childhood development.

Weight Gain Prevention Success in School Age African-American Children

Peggy Pope, from Tallahassee, a County Schools Clinical Physical Therapist and Adjunct Professor at Florida A & M University describes the dietary and activity training methods they used to help 222 school-age children avoid gaining weight.

In the spring edition of the Pediatric Physical Therapy podcast Kelly Lombard from Boston Children’s Hospital, MA talks about the benefits of intense physical therapy in a child who had a left ventricular assist device fitted as a bridge to cardiac transplantation after having a stroke.

Rebecca Reubens from the University of South Florida in Tampa explains how a child with cerebral palsy benefited from physical therapy during an accelerated growth phase.

Universal documenting is needed to assess physical therapy effectiveness in cerebral palsy according to Mary Gannotti of the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut.

Laura Gilchrist from Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota in Minneapolis explains why: Monitoring ankle range of motion to assess balance and measuring strength to assess walking capacity in patients with step-length abnormalities brings benefit to young patients cured of cancer but experiencing gait abnormalities caused by chemotherapy induced neuropathy.

And: Therapists and surgeons are in agreement on the diagnosis of gait abnormalities, reports Stacey Miller from British Columbia Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.

Also in the podcast: We hear about an investigation of bone mineral content in infants with spina bifida by Do Kyeong Lee from New York University in New York City. She found it improves with regular exercise training from just a few weeks of age continued during the first year of life.

Featured are brief remarks from retiring Editor, Ann Van Sant, and new Editor, Linda Fetters. Authors of 5 papers appearing in this issue are interviewed: Joseph Schreiber describes work on experiential learning in pediatrics for physical therapist students. Lauren Del Rossi presents her treatment of a girl with Antley-Bixler syndrome. Sam Logan comments on his study of play, physical activity and behavior of toddlers with and without disabilities. Karina Zapata introduces her study comparing 2 interventions for adolescents with scoliosis and back pain. Leah Lowe describes her success providing supported treadmill training for children with developmental disabilities who are ambulatory.

Optimizing physical therapy for patients with severe cerebral palsy is discussed by the authors of two key papers highlighted by Editor Ann Van Sant in the latest edition of the podcast. Talking about one of the studies Jill Heathcock and Jennifer Christie report that intense daily PT yielded important outcome gains for two toddlers, while in another article Kim Lephart describes how a customized seating system brought benefits to a teenager. Stacey Dusing talks about the large developmental gains they noted from their program of care for premature infants transitioning from NICU to the home. Measuring lower extremity alignment and general flexibility in obese children is explored by Jennifer Tucker in her conversation with the podcast, Kristy Azbell talks about a multi-pronged, prolonged and successful intervention for an infant with arthrogryposis, and the Manual Ability Classification System is reported to be “fit for purpose” by Deepa Javanantham.

Featured are interviews with authors of 6 papers appearing in this issue of Pediatric Physical Therapy. Karen McCain discusses her case report on gait recovery of a child with spinal cord stroke. Lisa Kenyon describes power mobility training for a child with severe CP; Diane Damiano comments on her Knowledge Translation Lecture; Amanda Casey explains an ice skating intervention for children with autism; James Hedgecock describes functional training and strengthen in for a teen with CP; and Goldie Weingarten discusses development of a floor to stand test for school settings. Editor, Ann Van Sant, provides brief commentary on these papers.

Featured are 6 authors of papers appearing in this issue of Pediatric Physical Therapy. Maggie O’Neil discusses recommendations regarding the role of pediatric PTs in promoting health and fitness for youth with disabilities; Elise Townsend comments on her research on AFOs for boys with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy; Susan Harris shares experiences providing intervention for babies with medical complexities as a result of Congenital Heart Disease; Kyra Kane presents her survey of therapists’ use of orthoses for flexible flat foot; Ashley Thompson introduces CIMT camp for children with CP; and Linda Bamonte describes care for a child with 16p11.2 Deletion Syndrome.

Featured are interviews with authors of 3 papers appearing in this issue of Pediatric Physical Therapy. Carole Tucker discusses her papers on development of the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System for children. Mary Gannotti from the University of Hartford provides commentary on Tucker’s papers. Sam Logan describes his work developing ride on car mobility options for children with Down syndrome; and Regina Harbourne describes her use neuralmodulation techniques to help children with posterior fossa syndrome develop motor skills. Editor, Ann Van Sant, provides brief commentary on each of these 3 papers.

In this Winter 2013 podcast for Pediatric Physical Therapy: a clinical practice guideline for congenital muscular torticollis, comparison of the TIMP and the Bayley III, implications of sedentary behavior for children with cerebral palsy, and more!

In this Fall 2013 podcast for Pediatric Physical Therapy: articles on developing evidence based physical therapy Clinical Practice Guidelines, effects of passive versus dynamic loading interventions on bone health in children who are nonambulatory, and more!

In this Summer 2013 podcast for Pediatric Physical Therapy: Postural balance in children with JIA, validation of the TIMPSI for children with SMA Type I, use of the GMFM in infants younger than two years, and more!

In this Spring 2013 podcast for Pediatric Physical Therapy: Exercise-Deficit Disorder in youth, the Fitkids exercise therapy program in the Netherlands, postural compensations due to backpack loads in schoolchildren, and more!

In this Winter 2012 podcast for Pediatric Physical Therapy: orthotic use and prescription in children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome, the prevalence of limb length discrepancy in prepubescent children developing typically, and more!

In this Fall 2012 podcast for Pediatric Physical Therapy: articles on using ultrasound to measure muscle thickness, reference values for the Functional Mobility Assessment, hippotherapy, and more!

In this Summer 2012 podcast for Pediatric Physical Therapy: Articles on power mobility for infants and children including articles on early power mobility training and a new power mobility option -- the modified toy car. Also, clinical bottom line interviews and more!

In this Spring 2012 podcast for Pediatric Physical Therapy: three articles concerning children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and more!

In this Winter 2011 podcast for Pediatric Physical Therapy: This month, validation of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders, gross motor development of children in a welfare system, and more!

In this Fall 2011 podcast for Pediatric Physical Therapy: Articles on health-related fitness, outcomes measures for children with cerebral palsy, approximate entropy and neuromotor control, and more!

In this Summer 2011 podcast for Pediatric Physical Therapy: Articles on suit wear and positioning in children with cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder in a school setting, and more!

In this Spring 2011 podcast for Pediatric Physical Therapy: This month, the Utrecht approach to exercise for children with chronic conditions, measuring peak oxygen uptake in adolescents with cystic fibrosis, and more!

In this Winter 2010 podcast for Pediatric Physical Therapy: Using the BOT 2 to assess motor proficiency in children with neurofibromatosis type 1, confidence intervals and cut scores on the Pediatric Balance Scale for typically developing children, and more!

In this Fall 2010 podcast for Pediatric Physical Therapy: Standardized measures and assessments! New reports of validity and reliability for the SATCo, expanded validity for the PEDI and AIMS, development of the ABI Challenge Assessment, and more!

In this Summer 2010 podcast for Pediatric Physical Therapy: An intensive training program for children with cerebral palsy, applicability of the PEDI to Danish children, and more! Plus, four clinical bottom lines, and a new Clinically Appraised Topic.

In this Spring 2010 podcast for Pediatric Physical Therapy: Part 2 of the updated Practice Guidelines for Neonatal Physical Therapy, a focus on pain in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy, and more!

In this Winter 2009 podcast for Pediatric Physical Therapy: updated practice guidelines for physical therapists in neonatal ICUs, an interview with Dr. Jane Sweeney, treadmill training for children with cerebral palsy, and more!

In the Fall 2009 issue of Pediatric Physical Therapy: a comparison of AFOs for children with hemiplegia, the 30-second Walk Test expanded to children ages 5-17, factors associated with children's participation in a physically active video game, and more!

This month, the role of intensity in treating infants with cerebral palsy, validation of a community screening protocol, the Clinical Bottom Line, and more!