Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of Treadmill Interventions On Infants With Developmental Delays Presenting With Mild And Severe Impairments: A Case Series, Eric Nguyen Spt, Nicolle Gerchak Spt

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Background: Physical development delays can severely limit a child’s ability to explore and learn about their environment. Evidence supports that this exploration promotes a child’s development in cognition, language acquisition, social skills, and further physical skills. Thus, interventions that target and improve early mobility can be highly valuable to a child’s life. Treadmill training in infants with developmental delays has shown to be an effective intervention in moving infants toward earlier independent walking and improved gross motor function.

Purpose: This study aims to explore the potential benefits of an established treadmill training program in infants with varying degrees of motor …

Commentary On “Infants With Torticollis Who Changed Head Presentation During A Physical Therapy Episode”, Kathryn Knudsen, Ryan Jacobson, Kirsten Pepperling

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

This article highlights the importance of differential diagnosis in infants with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT), particularly those with atypical presentation or change of side for range-of-motion (ROM) restriction. Per the clinical practice guideline (CPG), patients who change sidedness with CMT should be reevaluated by the physical therapist and referred back to the primary care provider for consideration of other diagnoses.1 This recommendation is important to parents who are seeking accurate information on cause and severity and who want to know that the home exercises being prescribed for their infant are effective

Treadmill Training For Infants With Down Syndrome: A Case Study, Mary Ngo Spt, Anna Paradee Spt, Julia Looper Pt, Phd

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Background: Children with Down syndrome (DS) experience motor delays particularly with ambulation. Previous research has suggested that a 5 time per week, 8 minute per session protocol for treadmill training (TT) was effective in earlier acquisition of walking.

Purpose: To examine the effectiveness of a home-based 2 time per week, 20 minute per session TT protocol on the development of independent step taking in an infant with DS.

Methods: A 20-month-old boy with DS, underwent a repair for esophageal atresia at 5 months, and currently uses a feeding tube. He was independently sitting and non-ambulatory. Weekly Zoom meetings were conducted …

Center-Based Treadmill Training For An Infant With Down Syndrome Not Yet Pulling To Stand, Amber Calhoun Spt, Summer Halle Spt, Julia Looper Pt, Phd

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Background: Infants with Down Syndrome (DS) are typically delayed in ambulation and motor development. The effects of center-based treadmill training (TT) on the rate of development in infants with DS are documented in children who are pulling to stand. However, evidence is lacking on TT effects below this developmental level at onset.

Purpose: To explore the impact of a center-based TT program on an infant with DS who is unable to pull to stand.

Methods: The participant was unable to pull to stand at onset of the case study. Initial exam consisted of anthropometric measurements, walking 5 minutes on TM, …

Validity Of The Early Activity Scale For Endurance And The 6-Minute Walk Test For Children With Cerebral Palsy., Alyssa Laforme Fiss, Lynn Jeffries, Allison Yocum, Sarah Westcott Mccoy, On Track Study Team

Physical Therapy Publications

PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe Early Activity Scale for Endurance (EASE) scores and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distances of children with cerebral palsy (CP) by functional ability level, sex, and age and to examine the convergent validity of the 2 tests.

METHODS: A total of 708 participants with CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to V, completed the EASE, and 376 of the study participants (3-12years), GMFCS levels I to III, completed the 6MWT.

RESULTS: Children with CP vary in EASE scores and 6MWT distances based on GMFCS level and, to a lesser extent, age. The …

Stability Of The Gross Motor Function Classification System, Manual Ability Classification System, And Communication Function Classification System., Robert J Palisano, Lisa Avery, Jan Willem Gorter, Barbara Galuppi, Sarah Westcott Mccoy

Physical Therapy Publications

AIM: To determine the stability of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), and Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) over 1-year and 2-year intervals using a process for consensus classification between parents and therapists.

METHOD: Participants were 664 children with cerebral palsy (CP), 18 months to 12 years of age, one of their parents, and 90 therapists. Consensus between parents and therapists on level of function was ≥92% for the GMFCS, MACS, and CFCS. A linearly weighted kappa coefficient of ≥0.75 was the criterion for stability.

RESULTS: Kappa coefficients varied from 0.76 to 0.88 for …

Parents' Experiences And Perceptions When Classifying Their Children With Cerebral Palsy: Recommendations For Service Providers., Natalie V Scime, Doreen J Bartlett, Laura K Brunton, Robert J Palisano

Physical Therapy Publications

AIMS: This study investigated the experiences and perceptions of parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP) when classifying their children using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), and the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS). The second aim was to collate parents' recommendations for service providers on how to interact and communicate with families.

METHODS: A purposive sample of seven parents participating in the On Track study was recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted orally and were audiotaped, transcribed, and coded openly. A descriptive interpretive approach within a pragmatic perspective was used during analysis.

RESULTS: …

Clinical Assessment Of The Infant And Child Following Perinatal Brachial Plexus Injury, Susan V. Duff, Carol Dematteo

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction

After perinatal brachial plexus injury (PBPI), clinicians play an important role in injury classification as well as the assessment of recovery and secondary conditions. Early assessment guides the initial plan of care and influences follow-up and long-term outcome.

Purpose

To review methods used to assess, classify and monitor the extent and influence of PBPI with an emphasis on guidelines for clinicians.

Methods

We use The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model to provide a guide to assessment after PBPI for rehabilitation clinicians.

Discussion

With information gained from targeted assessments, clinicians can design interventions to increase the …

Validity And Reliability Of Two Abbreviated Versions Of The Gross Motor Function Measure., Laura K Brunton, Doreen J Bartlett

Physical Therapy Publications

Aim: The “gold standard” to measure gross motor functioning for children with cerebral palsy (CP) is the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66). The purpose of this study was to estimate the validity and reliability of two abbreviated versions (item set (GMFM-66 IS) and basal and ceiling (GMFM-66 B&C) approaches) of the GMFM-66.

Methods: Twenty-six children with CP aged 2 to 6 years across all GMFCS levels participated. At session one, both abbreviated versions were administered by two independent raters, followed by the full GMFM-66. In the subsequent session, only the abbreviated versions were administered, by the same raters. Concurrent validity, …

The Importance Of Range Of Motion, Strengthening, And Positioning Interventions In Infants With Congenital Muscular Torticollis, Theresa Wiederoder

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Treatment of an infant with torticollis is most effective when the parents/guardians of the infant are instructed in stretching protocols as well as proper positioning of the infant in many positions This case report describes course of treatment of an infant with congenital muscular torticollis.

Case Description: The child was born with a right sided sternocleidomastoid tumor and associated limitations in cervical left lateral flexion and right rotation. His parents received written stretching instructions from the pediatric surgeon's office but were uncomfortable with stretching their child's neck required more one-on-one instruction. Intervention included cervical and scapular passive …

Chart Review: Identification Of Torticollis And Plagiocephaly In An Infant Toddler Screening Program, Kari Ell, Cara Mobley

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

As the incidence of torticollis and plagiocephaly have increased since the initiation of the Back to Sleep campaign in 1992, greater awareness of diagnosis and prevention for these conditions is imperative. The purpose of this study was to complete a chart review which identified the bIrth history risk factors and diagnostic indicators for torticollis and plagiocephaly that were documented, the variations in identification and referrals by discipline of screener, and the incidence of torticollis and plagiocephaly in infants and toddlers receiving services through a rural screening program of a midwestern state. A retrospective chart review of 125 children (birth to …

Physical Activity: Essential Component In Primary And Secondary Curricula For Lifelong Health, Maril Mccord

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Chronic disease, preventable illness and injury, and growing trends of sedentary behaviors have currently been associated with the American population. It is estimated that 70% of all deaths in America are attributable to chronic disease of a preventable nature. Childhood disease has declined only to be replaced by new waves of social, environmental, and behavioral factors which manifest as health risks. At least 68 million Americans suffer from some form of heart disease while nearly 60% of adults lead sedentary lifestyles. The challenge in the nation is to counter these trends by implementation of policy and programs for healthier habits …

The Use Of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation In The Gait Training Of Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Literature Review, Rachel Rolfson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Cerebral palsy is a common developmental disorder that causes a wide array of problems in the population. The manifestations of cerebral palsy commonly interfere with the child's activities of daily living, including the important function of gait. It is therefore important that physical therapists be knowledgeable about the various treatment options used in gait training of children with cerebral palsy, as well as their effectiveness.

Neurodevelopmental techniques (NDT), neurosurgical interventions, and orthotics are just a few of the numerous treatment options available for the gait training of children with cerebral palsy. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) has recently become a popular …

Video Of Adapted Techniques To Overcome The Physical Deficits Of Children With Visual Impairments, Amy Skalsky

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Blindness is a disability with far reaching effects. Many of these effects are physical and can be seen clinically in children who have been blind for much, or all, of their lives. As physical therapists, we have the technical skills to assist in reducing the effects of the functional deficits that are associated with blindness. However, we are often unaware of these deficits, or have trouble adapting our treatment techniques to fit the needs of children who are blind or have visual impairments.

The purpose of this study is to provide a video that will demonstrate techniques that are specially …

A Literature Review And Introductory Pediatric Aquatic Therapy Manual, Dena Wright

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Aquatic therapy continues to grow as an acceptable and often times preferable means of achieving therapeutic goals across a variety of patient populations: pediatric to geriatric, orthopedic to neurologic. The unique properties of water allow people to exercise and to recover in a safe and relaxing environment that promotes similar goals to those on land. However, land exercises can not simply be performed in water due to the water's unique properties. Similarly, exercises for adults do not work as effectively for children. Many physical therapy programs across the nation provide only minimal instruction on aquatic or pediatric therapy as a …