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Recent Research Indicates That 3D Gait Analysis Can Help to Predict Success of Achilles Tendon Lengthening (ATL) Surgery in Children with Cerebral Palsy

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Achilles tendon lengthening (ATL) surgery can help to treat ‘equinus foot,’ also known as tiptoe walking, which is a common symptom of cerebral palsy (CP). However, many children who have ATL surgery experience overcorrection, and end up walking with a crouch gait. Therefore, it would be valuable to identify individual characteristics that could predict the…

Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy Might Not Actually Benefit from Botox Injections Prior to Physiotherapy

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Doctors often prescribe botulinum toxin A (botox) injections to patients with cerebral palsy who are ambulatory (able to walk), in order to reduce spasticity. Generally, botox injections are given as part of a combined treatment plan also involving other interventions. However, studies on whether botox injections improve outcomes for children undergoing comprehensive rehabilitation programs have…

Research Suggests Early Postural Training Could Mitigate Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

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People with cerebral palsy (CP) often have problems with postural control, which can interfere with basic activities of daily life such as reaching, sitting, or walking. A lack of information on the developmental trajectory of these postural issues has made it difficult for medical professionals to optimize interventions. However, recent research provides some answers, which…

What’s Vibrational Therapy, and How Can It Help People with Cerebral Palsy?

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Many people with cerebral palsy (CP) benefit greatly from physical therapy, which can improve functions such as strength and flexibility, and decrease negative symptoms such as pain. However, people with very severe motor and/or cognitive problems may be unable to follow instructions and perform voluntary exercises. This limits their treatment options outside of pharmacological and…

Scoliosis Surgery Can Improve Quality of Life in Children with Severe Cerebral Palsy

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Children with severe cerebral palsy (CP) often develop progressive scoliosis, or abnormal spinal curvature. Scoliosis causes a variety of health issues, such as problems with balance while sitting, pain, and complications affecting function of the lungs, heart, and gastrointestinal system. Spinal fusion surgery has been considered standard of care for children whose scoliosis cannot be…

How can robots help people with physical disabilities?

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Until recently, wearable robotic devices that could enhance a user’s physical abilities were largely the stuff of science fiction. Real-life prototypes existed, but were too costly, cumbersome, and uncomfortable for  “practical,” everyday use. However, new research hints at an imminent revolution in the design of robotic exoskeletons and other devices. Here, we review two studies…