Exploring the Experiences and Perceptions of Pediatric Therapists who use Functional Electrical Stimulation in their Clinical Practice.

This study aimed to 1) explore the experiences and perceptions of pediatric physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) who use FES in their practice, and 2) provide recommendations for overcoming common barriers to FES implementation. Eight Canadian PTs ( = 6) and OTs ( = 2), who use FES in their pediatric practice, participated in semi-structured interviews. Open-ended questions queried the motivation, goals, perceived benefits and challenges, and facilitators and barriers of FES use.

Effects of solid ankle-foot orthoses with individualized ankle angles on gait for children with cerebral palsy and equinus.

Purpose: For children with cerebral palsy (CP) and equinus, the conventional practice of setting the ankle angle in an ankle-foot orthosis (AA-AFO) at 90∘ may not adequately accommodate gastrocnemius length/stiffness. Therefore, this study compared the effects of statically-optimized solid AFOs with individualized AA-AFOs (iAA-AFOs) and conventionally-prescribed AFOs on gait for children with CP and equinus.

Methods: Ten children with CP and equinus (15 limbs with AFOs), and 15 typically-developing (TD) children participated.

Symptomatic pes planus in children: a synthesis of allied health professional practices.

Background: This study sought to explore professional perspectives on the assessment and management of symptomatic pes planus in children.

Methods: Data was collected from three professional groups (podiatrists, physiotherapists, and orthotists) with experience of managing foot problems in children. The survey was undertaken in the United Kingdom via a self-administered, online survey.

Physical Therapists' Use of Evaluation Measures to Inform the Prescription of Ankle-Foot Orthoses for Children with Cerebral Palsy.

: To examine how physical therapists (PTs) use evaluation measures to guide prescription and re-assessment of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) for children with CP. : PTs in Canada who work with children with CP were invited to complete an online survey. Survey questions examined PT evaluation and interpretation of findings at initial AFO prescription and re-assessment.

The Feasibility and Validity of Body-Worn Sensors to Supplement Timed Walking Tests for Children with Neurological Conditions.

Aims: The 10-meter walk test (10 mWT) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) are assessments of speed/time with a ceiling effect in pediatric populations. This study aimed to (1) determine whether collecting spatiotemporal data with inertial sensors (Mobility Lab, APDM Inc.) during these tests improves their discriminative validity, and (2) evaluate the clinical feasibility of Mobility Lab.

Preliminary study of novel, timed walking tests for children with spina bifida or cerebral palsy.

Objective: Walking assessment is an important aspect of rehabilitation practice; yet, clinicians have few psychometrically sound options for evaluating walking in highly ambulatory children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of two new measures of walking function-the Obstacles and Curb tests-relative to the 10-Meter Walk test and Timed Up and Go test in children with spina bifida or cerebral palsy.

Methods: A total of 16 ambulatory children with spina bifida (n=9) or cerebral palsy (n=7) (9 boys; mean age 7years, 7months; standard deviation 3years, 4months) and 16 age- and gender-matched typically developing children participated.

Past and current use of walking measures for children with spina bifida: a systematic review.

Objectives: To describe walking measurement in children with spina bifida and to identify patterns in the use of walking measures in this population.

Data Sources: Seven medical databases-Medline, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and AMED-were searched from the earliest known record until March 11, 2014. Search terms encompassed 3 themes: (1) children; (2) spina bifida; and (3) walking.

A Group Motor Skills Program for Children with Coordination Difficulties: Effect on Fundamental Movement Skills and Physical Activity Participation.

Aims: Children with coordination difficulties are at risk of low levels of physical activity (PA) participation. This intervention examined the effects of a multidisciplinary program that emphasized parent participation on motor skill performance and PA.

Methods: Ten boys (5-7 years) completed a group program consisting of conditioning exercises and activities designed to address child-selected goals.