Pairing transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation with an intensive bimanual training in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: study protocol of a randomized sham-controlled trial.

Background: Gross motor function impairments and manual dexterity deficits are frequently observed in children and adolescents with Cerebral Palsy (CP), having a major impact on their activity level and autonomy. Improving manual dexterity and activity level of patients with CP is often the focus of rehabilitation. Novel and adjuvant treatment methods that could support the standard training also in chronic conditions are a research priority.

Can we prevent hip dislocation in children with cerebral palsy? Effects of postural management.

Background: Hip dislocation is common in children with cerebral palsy (CP). At birth they do not have musculoskeletal deformities but they develop over time due to the combined effects of the movement disorder and impaired gross motor function. Early detection and treatment of a hip at risk is needed to modify the natural of hip development in CP.

Self-reported gait unsteadiness in mildly impaired neurological patients: an objective assessment through statistical gait analysis.

Background: Self-reported gait unsteadiness is often a problem in neurological patients without any clinical evidence of ataxia, because it leads to reduced activity and limitations in function. However, in the literature there are only a few papers that address this disorder. The aim of this study is to identify objectively subclinical abnormal gait strategies in these patients.